By Linda Franklin
Women are drinking more than ever before, have you noticed that? Having that extra glass of wine has become pretty mainstream. The stresses that women are faced with today, have us looking for ways to unwind. But is alcohol consumption the answer?
Barbara Hannah Grufferman, an advocate for women over 50, did a very interesting article in the Huffington Post about this. She interviewed Dr. Mark Edison–a psychologist in private practice in NYC who specializes in substance and alcohol abuse. She wanted to know how to know if it’s become a problem, and if it is, whether we have to give it up . . . forever.
We’ve all read the studies: moderate alcohol consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle for many people. Men who have two drinks a day and women who have one are less prone to heart disease, diabetes, gallstones, arthritis and even Alzheimer’s.
But sometimes too much Pinot Noir can be too much of a good thing. As daily consumption increases, the benefits are replaced by risks.
Drinking is on the rise in people over 50 and seems to climb as we get older. Some studies cite retirement, loss of job, divorce and death or declining health of a loved one as just a few of the reasons why. In 2010, 16 percent of people over 65 had a daily drink, compared to 10 percent of 45 to 64 year olds and 2 percent of 16 to 24 year olds. And gender is a factor: women between 45 and 64 drink more than any other age group.
But not all daily drinkers have a drinking problem, and not all problem drinkers drink daily. Even if it’s been 30 years since you felt tipsy, you could be one of the 17.6 million Americans with alcohol dependence. This can manifest as a preoccupation with drinking, changing plans to facilitate it or concealment of habits. If this sounds like you, it might be time to address your relationship with alcohol.
To read Barbara’s Huffington Post interview with Dr. Mark Edison click here. He has ways to know if you do have a drinking problem and how to get some help if you do.
The Real Cougar Woman is a 5-carat diamond who knows the importance of taking care of her health, beauty, relationships, finances and spirituality. Linda Franklin says, ”there’s no stopping a woman who has a strong belief system, passion and a dream. All things are possible”. Linda’s book, Don’t Ever Call Me Ma’am helps women of all ages tap into their power and live life to the fullest.
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