The prevalence of alcohol-related complications has been steadily increasing over the years, but a significant surge occurred during the pandemic, particularly among women aged 40 to 64.
According to a JAMA Health Forum report titled High-Acuity Alcohol-Related Complications During the COVID-19 Epidemic, there was a significant increase in severe alcohol-related complications in women and alcoholism. The majority of these, 54% to 66%, were alcohol-related liver disease; smaller numbers, 3% to 5% and 1% to 3% were attributed to alcohol-related cardiomyopathy and alcohol-related gastritis with bleeding, respectively.
What the trends mean
If these trends persist, the increases in alcohol-related complications will continue to harm women. There are several reasons explaining this increase. In addition to the overall increase in alcohol consumption, the pandemic exacerbated feelings of loneliness and uncertainty about the future. Additionally, lockdowns led to more time spent at home – an environment where alcohol is readily available.
How alcohol affects women
Women are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of alcohol due to differences in body structure and chemistry. They absorb more alcohol and take longer to metabolize it. This means smaller amounts of alcohol can cause more serious health issues. Also, the shift towards drinking at home, which was further made easier by convenient online shopping and home delivery during the pandemic, led to increased consumption without judgment.
Addressing any substance misuse needs a multimodal approach. There are treatment options and medications that can help. It is important to wean yourself off alcohol with a doctor’s supervision, as withdrawal can be severe and dangerous.
Getting help
Health care providers, patients and their loved ones can all partner in enhancing education and awareness about alcohol use risks and reducing stigma in seeking treatment when needed. It’s important for women to recognize that they are not alone and that help is available. It is a difficult addiction for anyone to go through, but education and support can significantly improve outcomes.
