60% of all adult women and 90% of all college-age women drink alcohol. The vast majority drinks without incurring serious harm; yet alcohol related problems, including dependency, have increased steadily among women. Thus, alcohol use in the female population deserves special attention.

A woman will be more affected by alcohol than a man who weighs the same and has the same amount to drink. This occurs because alcohol is water-soluble and is not readily absorbed into body fat. Women have less body fluid and a higher percentage of body fat than men do and lack a liver enzyme that helps men process alcohol more efficiently. Therefore, generally speaking, a woman will have a higher blood alcohol concetration (BAC) than a man of the same weight and will feel the effects for a longer period of time. This is a very important point to consider when driving.

Some research suggests that many women's reactions to alcohol also may vary throughout their menstrual cycles. Women may be affected more by alcohol just before menstruation and need to adjust their drinking behaviors accordingly. Birth control pills may also increase the time necessary to process alcohol.

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ALCOHOL ABUSE CAN NEGATIVELY AFFECT EVERY ASPECT OF A PERSON'S LIFE:

	employment
	social interactions
	health

Especially relevant for college women trying to establish positive lifestyles and relationships is the effect of alcohol on sexuality. When intoxicated, one is less inhibited and more likely to make decisions contradictory to usual behavior, often taking risks that affect both feelings of positive self-esteem and personal welfare.

This risk taking includes situations such as:

	physical safety
	sexual intimacy
	effective contaceptive use

In addition, the likelihood of sexual assault is greatly increased. Researchers estimate that 60% to 80% of all rapes involve alcohol use.

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Another conern about alcohol use specific to women is drinking alcohol during pregnancy. This has been shown to have long term effects after the baby is born. Health researchers have found that many children born to women who drink excessively while pregnant have a recognizable pattern of serious and potentially life-threatening physical and mental birth defects, called "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome," or FAS.

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Another serious problem for a growing number of women is alcohol dependency. More women drink than ever before. There are an esimated 2.25 million women with alcohol-related problems in the United States today. There is no "typical" woman alcoholic. Alcoholism affects homemakers, executives, and skilled and semi-skilled workers of all ages.

Women who drink heavily face social and emotional problems that are different than men. Men who drink heavily are often accepted, but wmoen who exhibit the same behavior are often criticized. This double standard motivates women to hide their drinking. Women are the "invisible alcoholics." This makes them harder to reach, less likely to seek help, and likely to become more seriously ill before problems are identified.

The physical problems of alcoholic women are also different from those of men. First, alcoholism appears to progress more rapidly in women. In addition, women are more likely to use other drugs, often prescribed by a physician, in combination with alcohol. In the United States, the majority of all antidepressants and amphetamines are prescribed to women. These drugs especially magnify the effects of alcohol.

Treatment is difficult because women who abuse alcohol usually deny they have a problem and remain "invisible" for years. However, once in treatment, alcoholic women can usually point to a life crisis that triggered their problem drinking. The many responsibilities of women make it difficult to stay in treatment and few groups exist which understand or provide for these unique life circumstances.

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Alcoholic women can be helped. The best chance for recovery occurs when the problem is identified early, before too much damage has occurred.

Here are some tips for women who choose to drink:

	Realize that 4 drinks on a given drinking occasion are a binge.
	Know how long it takes your body to process drinks.
	Drink when you are well rested and feeling relaxed.
	Eat something while you drink, especially high-protein foods such as cheeses and     meats. Avoid salty foods which increase thirst.
	Sip your drinks and drinks at a pace comforatable for you. Don't try to keep pace with     the group.
	Do not drive after drinking or ride with persons who have been drinking, no matter how     "under control" they say they feel. Try the "designated driver" system -- one person in     your group drinks non-alcoholic beverages and drives.
	When you are taking medications, know whether or not there is an alcohol/drug     interaction. Ask your physician or pharmacist.
	Do not drink if you think you are pregnant.
	If alcohol is disrupting your life or you think you may be a problem drinker, get help as     soon as possible.

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The following University and Community resources are available if you would like more information:

Healthworks Peer Education Program - 201 Student Health Center (814) 863-2500

The Center for Women Students - 102D Boucke Building (814) 863-2027

The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS - 501 Student Health Center (814) 863-0395

Centre County Women's Resource Center - 140 West Nittany Avenue, State College, PA 16801 (814) 234-5222

Wellspring from n Drugs, Inc - 236 South Allen Street, State College, PA 16801 (814) 237-5855

Students at other campuses other than University Park should consult with their Office of Student Affairs.