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Alcohol and Women

Put down the drinks. So you can savor every moment.

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Woman smiling while supporting a toddler on her back.

Watching your daughter walk down the aisle. Seeing your grandson take his first steps. Even just snuggling on the couch with your significant other. If you drink, you’re putting those moments – and your life – at risk.

Especially since women’s bodies can’t handle alcohol like they used to as they age, with alcohol-related deaths increasing by nearly 30 percent since 2016.1

Excessive alcohol use is a leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.2 Excessive alcohol use is associated with more than 27,000 deaths among women and girls in the U.S. each year.3 Alcohol-related deaths of Iowans over 45 have nearly doubled the past several years.4 Then when you realize alcohol contributes to at least 60 different health conditions, you start understanding the importance of watching how much you drink.

After all, life’s full of beautiful moments you don’t want to miss as a mother, daughter, sister or friend. Make sure you’re around to make them.

Myths & Facts – View common alcohol use myths and learn the facts.

Avoiding Risks – Learn about the risk factors associated with alcohol use and how to avoid them.

Download this PDF from the National Institute of Health to review ways that alcohol use can impact women.

If you or someone you love needs help quitting drinking, Your Life Iowa is here.

Find help on your own         Have a professional contact you


Citations

  1. Iowa Substance Abuse Deaths (2016-2021 Occurrence Data), Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse.
  2. Deaths from Excessive Alcohol Use in the United States. CDC.
  3. Esser MB. Sherk A, Liu Y, et al. Deaths and years of potential life lost from excessive alcohol use - United States, 2011-2015. MMWR 2020;69:1428-1433. 
  4. Alcohol and Public Health: Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI). Annual Average for United States 2011-2025 Alcohol-Attributable Deaths Due to Excessive Alcohol Use, All Ages. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.