HHS HealthBeat (July 10, 2008)

Women drinking more

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Men usually have more trouble with alcoholism than women. But a study that looked at surveys on alcoholism says women have shown large increases in alcohol dependence since the ‘80s.

And while women’s problems with the disease have increased, not enough women are seeking treatment.

Researchers were surprised by the results. Richard Grucza of Washington University in St. Louis believes they’re not the only ones – doctors may be surprised too.

“Clinicians may have in their mind a clinical picture of what an alcoholic looks like, and a 35-year-old woman might not fit that picture.” (6 seconds)

Gruzca says recognizing that alcoholism is not just a man’s disease is important because the disease is often more harmful to women. He urges more women to seek treatment.

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: July, 09 2008