Between the years of 2006 to 2010, heavy alcohol use led to almost 90,000 deaths and a combined 2.5 million years of potential life lost among American people. According to a study from Columbia University, increases in binge drinking continue to rise, regardless of parental status. Binge drinking is when someone has more than five drinks on one occasion, while heavy alcohol use is when someone binge drinks at least five times in 30 days. Women and men with children consistently report lower levels of binge drinking than their childless counterparts. Additionally, men without children consistently report the highest amounts of binge drinking. However, all groups reported increases in binge drinking in the recent decade.
Binge Drinking Trends Among Women and Men With or Without Children
The highest increases in binge drinking occurred among women aged between 30 to 44 without children, doubling from 21% in 2006 to 42% in 2018. Heavy drinking remained stable or declined for all groups except for women aged between 45 and 55 without children, in which heavy drinking increased. Surprisingly, the only group in which binge drinking declined was among young fathers aged between 18 to 29. It makes sense then that abstaining from alcohol use decreased for all groups except this one.
Women Without Children Driving the Trends in Binge Drinking, Not Mothers
Drinking is increasing across all adults in the United States, regardless of parental status, and particularly among women. Although women generally drink less than men, women aged 20 to 40 are notably driving the increase in these trends. Research continues to uncover the reasons that women are increasingly consuming more alcohol than men. Still, women without children are the ones leading the binge drinking trend, not mothers of children, as previously thought.
Having Trouble and Looking for Help?
Although mothers receive scrutiny regarding their choices and the impact those choices have on their children, the evidence indicates that the public concern over “mommy drinking” is not warranted. There is growing concern over these binge drinking trends, but perpetuating myths about women’s roles as parents and their drinking behaviors diverts from the real issues of increases in binge drinking. The focus should be on problem drinking among men and women of all ages, regardless of their parental status.
At Alta Loma Transformational Living, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. Alta Loma uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, where you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 866-457-3843.
