Although legal, alcohol is a psychoactive substance that can impact women’s health in both the short and long term.
Women face various inequalities related to alcohol in terms of health, safety, stigma, and advertising.
Most studies on the effects of alcohol on health do not take gender identity into account resulting in binary data based on sex assigned at birth (biological sex) . While several biological factors influence the effects of alcohol consumption, social factors associated with femininity — such as societal expectations — also exert an influence. This project highlights the need to explore the intersection of alcohol use and sexual and gender diversity .
The information presented on the Alcohol & Women website is based on available data, public surveys, and the voices of women and professionals who have supported this project. The content is not exclusively intended for individuals assigned female at birth. Here, the terms “women” and “men” refer to either sex assigned at birth, gender identity, or the interaction between sex and gender.
For the same amount of alcohol, women typically reach a higher blood alcohol concentration than men when considering only the influence of biological sex.
Few women are aware of the risks alcohol consumption poses to their health. However, they do seem concerned about the effects of alcohol on their physical health. In a survey conducted by Léger on behalf of the ASPQ, fewer than one in four women reported being aware of the risks of breast cancer and liver diseases associated with alcohol consumption in women1.
Women are more likely than men to turn to alcohol consumption to relieve negative emotions such as stress.
Heavy and frequent alcohol consumption can impact a person’s mental health. As psychological distress levels can both result from and contribute to frequent and heavy alcohol consumption , it is important to be informed about the possible effects of such consumption on mental health.
Alcohol consumption can affect sexual and reproductive health in both positive and negative ways.
During pregnancy, alcohol consumption can impact fetal health and lead to various complications.
Alcohol consumption also influences women’s sexual health, both in terms of sexual response and the risks associated with sexuality in the context of alcohol consumption.
This audio testimony is available in French only.
[1] ASPQ-Léger (2023) L’alcool au féminin : sondage auprès des Québécoises.