Alcohol Use in Women Is Rising: Are Personal Breathalyzers the Answer? 

Women are binge drinking more, but tools like personal breathalyzers are creating a new path toward accountability and sobriety. 

A growing, and perhaps dangerous, trend is emerging among women. More women, especially millennials and Gen Z, are drinking alcohol. Women are engaging in risky drinking behavior like binge drinking and consuming alcohol while parenting.  

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we want to recognize the impact of alcohol use on women and mothers and acknowledge the immense, often invisible, efforts mothers make every day. You are unsung heroes who juggle countless responsibilities, face unique societal pressures, and often carry the weight of your family’s well-being on your shoulders. We also want to share information with women and your loved ones about new tools like personal breathalyzers that can help improve your relationship with, and reliance on, alcohol.  

By learning more about the risks and solutions, you can make smarter choices for yourself and your families. 

If you are already impacted by alcohol use in your household, such as someone with a DUI, and you need immediate support to get an ignition interlock installed or secure SR-22 insurance, please call one of our DUI.org specialists at (877) 246-7808. 

Is Women’s Alcohol Use Cause for Concern? 

Women’s drinking trends in 2025 might look different from those of previous generations. Over the last few decades, women’s alcohol consumption has increased significantly, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Here are three eye-opening statistics: 

• Research analyzed from several dozen studies between 2006 to 2014 shows alcohol-related emergency room visits rose by 70% for women compared to 58% for men.  
• Alcohol-related deaths among women increased by 14.7% over two decades, faster than the increase for men, reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.  
• In 2022, 15.6% of U.S. women aged 18–25 had an alcohol use disorder. 

These numbers show how alcohol use in women has changed recently and why you need accountability to manage alcohol consumption. 

Why Female Drinking Habits Are Changing 

So why is alcohol use in women rising? Here are a few reasons: 

• Social Acceptance: Drinking is becoming increasingly normalized for women and is often marketed as part of a “luxury lifestyle” or a way to unwind. 
• Pandemic Stress: During the COVID-19 pandemic, heavy drinking days among women increased by 41% as reported by the journal, JAMA Health Forum.  
• Coping Mechanism: Many women use alcohol to manage stress from work or family responsibilities. 

While these trends reflect changing social norms, they also highlight the importance of being mindful about how much you drink.  

Binge Drinking is Rising Among Women 

Binge drinking among women is also a growing concern. The National Institutes of Health reports binge drinking among women aged 35–50 rose twice as fast as it did for men over the last decade. SAMHSA defines low risk drinking in females as drinking no more than seven drinks over the course of a week but no more than four drinks in a sitting. 

For women, binge drinking poses unique health risks because your body processes alcohol differently than men’s bodies do. Women have less of an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (which breaks down alcohol) and less body water to dilute it. This means even smaller amounts of alcohol can lead to higher blood alcohol levels. 

Health Risks Associated with Women’s Binge Drinking 

While having a drink now and then might seem harmless, the rise in binge drinking and alcohol-related health issues among women is raising concerns. These are some of the emerging health risks associated with women and drinking: 

• Liver damage (like cirrhosis) 
• Increased risk of breast cancer 
• Heart disease 
• Mental health issues such as depression 

These risks grow even more serious if binge drinking becomes frequent or habitual. If you’re a mom, early in your career like Gen Z, a caretaker, or juggling multiple responsibilities, binge drinking or heavy drinking can seriously impact your health and family life.  

How Women Can Reevaluate Binge Drinking Habits 

If you notice that your drinking is increasing or becoming something you rely on to handle stressful relationships, work, or parenting situations, it might be time to take a step back and reassess. Here are some signs you can look for to know if it’s time to reevaluate your alcohol habits: 

• You often drink more than planned. 
• You feel guilty or anxious about how much you drink. 
• Your responsibilities at work or home are suffering. 
• Friends or family have expressed concern about your behavior. 

Making small changes, like setting limits on how much you drink or openly sharing your concerns with people you trust, can help you build healthier habits over time. 

DUI.org has a variety of resources to help you navigate the challenges associated with heavy drinking and any resulting DUIs. You can also call one of our DUI.org specialists at (877) 246-7808 any time to help assist you on your DUI journey.  

Alcohol and Parenting: A Dangerous Combo 

Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles you can take on. After a long day of managing work, family, and other responsibilities, it’s easy to see why some moms use alcohol to relax. However, drinking while parenting comes with risks you might not have considered, especially if you are a young or new mom, such as a millennial or Gen Z woman.   

When you drink, even moderately, your judgment and reaction time can become impaired. This means that if an emergency happens, like your child getting hurt or needing immediate help, moms who drink alcohol might not be able to respond as quickly or effectively as you normally would.  

Studies show that if you misuse alcohol as a parent, your children are more likely to experience emotional neglect or anxiety. By approaching alcohol consumption with caution, you can give your kids the care and attention they need. 

In this season of celebrating mothers, we encourage all women who may be struggling with alcohol use to practice self-care and take care of your needs. Don't hesitate to seek professional support. Reach out to a licensed therapist or counselor who specializes in substance abuse or mental health, or continue to visit resources provided at DUI.org. 

Can Personal Breathalyzers Help Curb Alcohol Use Among Women? 

You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Personal breathalyzers can help you take control of your drinking habits. These devices measure your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) in real time so you know exactly where you stand after having a drink. 

By regularly using a personal breathalyzer like Keepr, you can monitor your consumption and make safer choices for yourself and those around you. 

How Alcohol Breathalyzers for Home Use Can Support Safer Choices 

Using a personal breathalyzer offers several benefits: 

1. Self-Awareness: You get an accurate BrAC reading so you know how much alcohol you’ve had and can better determine when it’s time to stop drinking. 
2. Accountability: Regularly testing yourself encourages healthier habits and helps prevent overconsumption or binge drinking. 
3. Safety: If you’re a mom and you’ve been drinking alcohol at a social gathering or work event, a quick test with a personal breathalyzer can help you determine whether it’s safe to drive home. 

At-home breathalyzers are easy to use, just blow into the device, and it will display your BrAC within seconds. By incorporating this tool into your routine, you can stay in control while enjoying social occasions responsibly. 

Concerned about your alcohol use? An at-home alcohol breathalyzer like Keepr provides women a modern and affordable alcohol monitoring solution that puts accountability within your reach. Learn more at DUI.org. 

FAQs About Women and Alcohol Use 

How DUI.org can Help Women Create Safer Alcohol Use Habits 

Rising alcohol use among women is a serious issue. If you do get a DUI, our DUI.org specialists are here to help you on your journey. Remember that while a DUI charge can be a challenging experience, it doesn't define who you are as a woman, wife, or mother. Everyone deserves a chance to learn and grow from their mistakes. 

A personal breathalyzer is a practical solution women can use to build safer and smarter drinking habits. If you’re ready to learn more about a breathalyzer for home use, check out the discreet, pocket-sized device at Keepr. 

Visit DUI.org today to learn more about how these devices can support healthy alcohol use among women.  

Sources

1. 2023 NSDUH detailed Tables. (n.d.). CBHSQ Data. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2023-nsduh-detailed-tables
2. FastStats. (2018, March 5). Chronic Liver Disease or Cirrhosis. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/liver-disease.htm
3. LMSW, S. M. (2024, June 18). Children of Alcoholics: Growing Up with an Alcoholic Parent. American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/support-recovery/child
4. Slade, T., Chapman, C., Swift, W., Keyes, K., Tonks, Z., & Teesson, M. (2016, October 1). Birth cohort trends in the global epidemiology of alcohol use and alcohol-related harms in men and women: systematic review and metaregression. BMJ Publishing Group. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/10/e011827
5. Statista. (2024, November 8). Alcohol use disorder among women in the U.S. 2022, by age. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1130291/alcohol-use-disorder-women-us-by-age/