We have been thinking about women and alcohol a lot lately. Alcohol use is prevalent in our society and for many people alcohol is not an issue. They can enjoy a glass or decide they don’t feel like drinking. For others, it’s not that easy. People of all genders and ages can struggle with problematic drinking. For women there are additional issues to consider and that is the focus of this post. Please check out our new flyers and our articles of interest and resources. And then we would love to hear from you! Here is a short anonymous survey: https://forms.gle/nvh7Lf4jsyc3iDTG8.
Articles of Interest:
‘Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to an approximate 30-50% increased risk in breast cancer. Case-control and cohort studies have consistently observed this modest increase.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3832299/#idm140444365445200title
“What was previously a 3-1 ratio for risky drinking habits in men versus women is closer to 1-to-1 globally, a 2016 analysis of several dozen studies suggested.
And the latest U.S. data from 2019 shows that women in their teens and early 20s reported drinking and getting drunk at higher rates than their male peers — in some cases for the first time since researchers began measuring such behavior.
Although the gender gap in alcohol consumption is narrowing among all ages, the reasons differ. For people over 26, women are increasing their alcohol consumption faster than men.
Research suggests that people who drink to cope — as opposed to drinking for pleasure — have a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder. And while every individual’s reasons for drinking are different, studies have found that women are more likely to drink to cope than men.”
More on women and alcohol:
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/womens-health.htm
https://drinklessforyourbreasts.org/
https://drinklessforyourbreasts.org/whats-the-risk/
https://www.wired.com/story/alcohol-is-the-breast-cancer-risk-no-one-wants-to-talk-about/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/diet-physical-activity/alcohol-use-and-cancer.html
Resources:
https://alcoholicsanonymous.com/aa-meetings/massachusetts/
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
https://www.mass.gov/topics/substance-use-prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/resources.htm
Delicious Mocktails!
Enjoy these delicious non alcoholic drinks and have fun!
FAUX BUBBLY
(aka Mock Champagne)
2 (2 liter) bottles ginger ale
46 oz. pineapple juice
64 oz. white grape juice
Combine ingredients in a large punch bowl. An ice ring made with ginger ale and/or the pre-made mixture keeps the “bubbly” cold and won’t dilute it like ice might. Include edible flowers or fruit (cranberries, strawberries, etc.) to make festive.
SPUNKY TART-TINI
(aka Apple Cider Mocktini)
½ cup apple cider or juice
¼ cup orange juice
1 splash pomegranate juice
1 cinnamon stick
Coming apple cider, orange juice, and pomegranate juice. Stir well. Pour into glass and add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
RUDOLPH’S SPRITZER
(aka Sparking Ginger Cranberry Mocktail)
2 oz. unsweetened cranberry juice
4 oz. ginger beer
Fresh cranberries, for garnish
Pour cranberry juice into a glass. Pour the ginger beer on top and stir. Garnish with fresh cranberries and enjoy. A sugar-rimmed glass adds a nice, festive touch.
GINGER JINGLE JUICE
(aka Raspberry Lemonade Fizz)
1 (6 oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 (2 liter) bottle ginger ale
6 oz of raspberry syrup
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine ingredients and serve over ice. Double or triple recipe for a crowd. Garnish with lemon slices or raspberries. Cindy Bohne
Winchester Coalition For A Safer Community 