According to a CDC report from January 2013, binge drinking has become a serious and under-recognized women’s health problem. Binge drinking for women is defined as consuming four or more alcoholic beverages on an occasion. According to this report, such women generally consume around six drinks per binge. U.S. dietary guidelines define women drinking in moderation as consuming no more than one drink per day.
The health problems associated with binge drinking among women include an increased risk of breast cancer, cancer of the mouth and throat, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease, sexually transmitted diseases, and unintended pregnancy. Binge drinking among women is also associated with a higher incidence of injury and violence. According to the CDC report, about 23,000 women and girls die each year as a result of drinking too much.
Around 1 in 8 women in the US—nearly 14 million women—binge drink at least three times a month. Binge drinking is most common among women aged 18-24 and among high school girls. Women who have a household income above $75,000 and who are white or Hispanic are also more likely to binge drink.
To improve public awareness about the issue, the CDC website includes links to a podcast and public service announcement about this health problem. Additionally, to help spread the word on “What women and girls should know about binge drinking,” people can send informational health e-cards to friends.
The lawyers at the law firm of Oberman and Rice spend hundreds of hours each year educating the public about the dangers of substance abuse and driving under the influence. This blog entry is part of such efforts.
While we concentrate our efforts on aggressively defending those accused of DUI or DWI in Tennessee, we believe we are obligated to assist our clients to overcome addiction issues often associated with those accused of violating the crime of driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Although it is never pushed upon our clients, we frequently recommend treatment centers and psychological counseling to those clients who request such assistance. After all, we abide by our law firm slogan: “Your Future is Our Present Concern®.”
Reference source: http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/BingeDrinkingfemale/
Infographic: http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/BingeDrinkingfemale/infographic.html#graphA
Health e-card: http://tools.cdc.gov/ecards/message.aspx?cardid=680&category=119
Podcast: http://www2c.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=8626721
Public Service Announcement: http://www2c.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=8626752
