How many drinks is too many: The dangers of alcoholism in women
People drink for many reasons—celebrations, stress relief or simply unwind. But when drinking becomes excessive, it can lead to serious, long-term health risks, especially for women.
Take a typical girl’s night out: premium cocktails, good food and laughter. But here’s the real question—when you’re out, how many drinks are you consuming? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), women who consume more than eight drinks a week are considered at risk for alcoholism.
So, imagine that same girls’ night where we’re letting our hair down after a hard week. Four shots in. Or maybe two cocktails, a beer and then a shot. On TV it looks normal, even funny. But in reality, it’s dangerous. Those same four or more drinks in a single night put you at risk—just as much as spreading them across the week.
And it’s not the same for everyone. Unless you and your girlfriends are clones, alcohol impacts each woman differently based on body size, metabolism and overall health. What doesn’t change is this: women are more susceptible than men to serious alcohol-related illnesses, including cirrhosis of the liver—a permanent scarring that can lead to liver failure, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
But that’s not the only risk. Alcohol can also wreak havoc on a woman’s hormonal health, especially for those hoping to get pregnant one day. According to the American Addiction Centers: “Alcohol can negatively affect fertility by disrupting the menstrual cycle, impacting egg maturation, and potentially affecting fallopian tube function. It can also disrupt the entire endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances that affect mental health, mood, and sleep.”
Beyond hormones, alcohol can also disrupt daily functioning. And the disparities are clear—women are at greater risk than men. A Yale School of Medicine study found that between 2006 and 2014, emergency room visits related to alcohol use increased by 70% in women compared to 58% in men. Hospitalizations rose by 69% in women compared to 43% in men between 2000 and 2015.
Part of the rise may be tied to social changes. Unlike in the past, women today are thriving in leadership roles and building careers across industries. While this progress is empowering, the stress of breaking barriers and
juggling responsibilities can also drive some to use alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Here’s the bottom line: Women have the right to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail to relax—but moderation is key. If you suspect you’re drinking too much, the CDC suggests practical strategies:
Identify and manage your drinking triggers.
Set daily or weekly drink limits.
Track your consumption carefully.
Build a supportive circle that encourages moderation. Because let’s be honest—some friends may push excessive drinking, and if that’s the case, it may be time to set firmer boundaries.
And remember, help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This free, confidential service is available 24/7, 365 days a year, in both English and Spanish, for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use challenges.
Megan Freeman earned a Doctor of Strategic Leadership with a concentration in leadership coaching from Regent University. She is the founder, owner and CEO of Leadernificent LLC, an organizational developmentcompany.