The Hidden Epidemic: Alcohol Use Surges Among Women

A growing health crisis is unfolding as more women turn to alcohol—and the consequences are showing up in the data. A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology reveals that heavy drinkers today are more than twice as likely to develop alcohol-related liver disease compared to 20 years ago, with women facing a heightened risk. As alcohol use and binge drinking among women have climbed over recent decades, so too have the rates of liver damage, particularly among those with underlying conditions like obesity and diabetes. Experts warn that liver disease is often silent until it’s severe, urging women to understand the real risks tied to even moderate drinking. With lifestyle shifts, delayed parenthood, and cultural factors at play, doctors say it’s time for an honest conversation about alcohol, health, and the changing face of the American drinker.