The Increase in Alcohol Consumption Among Cisgender Women: Causes and Effects

Forty-year-old Emilia Murphy, along with her husband, relocated from Pittsburgh to Millburn, New Jersey, where she found herself in a new suburban environment filled with strangers. Alcohol gradually became her medium for relaxation. Murphy, a busy content manager, would occasionally have a few drinks with colleagues after work and indulge in vodka or bourbon at home to boost her spirits. As her social circle expanded, weekends often involved consuming four to five drinks during gatherings. Murphy noted that alcohol had become the centerpiece of social activities, acknowledging that it might be excessive but seeing it as a norm amidst group behavior.

Statistical data indicates that in recent years, both the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption among cisgender women have increased. A paper published in "Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research" in March 2019 also pointed out this trend. As of October 2020, nearly 50% of adult women reported having consumed alcohol in the past 30 days, with 13% of them binge-drinking five or more drinks at least four times a month.

Psychologist Dr. Joseph Nowinski pointed out that there is a gradual escalation in drinking, from one drink to multiple, which may signify a shift from low-risk to more hazardous levels of alcohol consumption. Facing career, economic pressures, family responsibilities, and adapting to various life changes, alcohol has become a means for many women to relieve stress. However, this behavior tightly linked to relaxation often leads people to neglect controlling their alcohol intake.

So, what are the reasons behind the increase in alcohol consumption among cisgender women?

Firstly, people have long used alcohol for self-medication, and it seems to have a greater impact on cisgender women. The hectic pace of life and work stress make alcohol a medium for them to seek escape. A writer named Ann Dowsett Johnston noted that many women, after finishing their day's work, still have to deal with household chores, making a glass of wine the ultimate stress-relief tool.

Secondly, anxiety about the state of the world may also prompt women to increase their alcohol consumption. Some women find that their alcohol intake rises when faced with current events stress. This emotional drinking behavior is often accompanied by negative consequences such as poor sleep quality and weight gain.

Furthermore, cultural forces are also driving the alcohol consumption behavior of cisgender women. Since the mid-1990s, the alcohol market has witnessed a "pinkification" phenomenon, with an endless array of alcohol products targeted at women. Movies and television are filled with messages that alcohol is the best way for women to relax and reward themselves, further fostering women's drinking habits in this cultural atmosphere.

However, there are many invisible risks associated with drinking. Cisgender women are more susceptible to alcohol's effects due to their lower body fluid content and enzyme activity. Excessive drinking can lead to short-term impacts such as slurred speech and stuttering, as well as long-term health hazards like liver damage, heart disease, and cancer. Additionally, drinking can also cause social harm, such as affecting interpersonal relationships and leading to embarrassing behaviors.

So, how can one quit drinking habits?

Firstly, one needs to take drinking behavior seriously, similar to diet or exercise habits. Set specific limits and clarify one's drinking conditions, such as not drinking more than four nights a week or not exceeding two drinks on specific days. At the same time, paying attention to the immediate effects of alcohol and monitoring one's feelings can help control alcohol intake.

Secondly, professional guidance can be sought. Organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery provide resources for assessing drinking situations and developing skills to reduce drinking. Joining communities is also an effective way to change habits, such as participating in moderation management programs.

Furthermore, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people identify situations and emotions that trigger the desire to drink and learn coping tools. Engaging in social activities in new ways is also an important path to quitting drinking habits, such as attending sober events, having coffee or tea with friends, etc.

In conclusion, the increase in alcohol consumption among cisgender women is an issue worth paying attention to. Understanding its causes and effects and taking proactive measures to change drinking habits are crucial for maintaining personal health and social relationships.