But that’s not the whole story. Social media is awash with newly sober women in their forties and fifties, too. So what’s driving them to abandon the wine o’clock habit of life?
This midlife stage comes with a lot of challenges, such as perimenopause, empty nest syndrome, work pressure, caring for elderly relatives – none of which are helped by a wine-fuelled bout of hangxiety.
For those who have entered perimenopause, common symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats are known to be worsened by alcohol. There’s also the impact on mental well-being to bear in mind. Many women will experience anxiety and insomnia, which alcohol can exacerbate.
Paula Briggs, a consultant at Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, points out there will be a lot of health implications during perimenopause. “If your liver function is affected, that can possibly have an impact on the way you metabolise everything [including alcohol]. It could possibly have an impact on cholesterol levels as well. And alcohol can have an impact on these levels,” she says.
More generally, women are more likely than men to be adversely affected by alcohol. Drink for drink, women absorb more alcohol than men – especially so as we age – and we’re more likely to develop conditions such as liver disease as well as suffer from cognitive decline.
In the short term, there’s the hangover – and for most, they’re far more challenging to handle in later years.
For those who wish to go teetotalit’s never been easier to try. With more and more alcohol-free bars emerging and 0% beers in every supermarket, there’s a cultural shift away from the stigma once associated with sobriety.
Thinking about cutting back? Read our expert tips…
Procure a dialog
“A key part of understanding your relationship with alcohol is being able to talk about it,” says Annabelle Bonus, Drinkaware’s director of research, policy and strategy.
Annabelle suggests confiding in family members when you notice your drinking has changed. “It can be quite hard to recognise yourself as changes happen over time. It’s your friends and family, they can see the change.”
Realize your triggers
“Look out for when you’re drinking to cope. There’s a particular link between that and unhealthy drinking. It’s about becoming more aware of what your triggers are and what you can do instead,” says Annabelle. Considering ‘alcohol-free options and even low-alcohol’ are great ways to dip your toes into sober waters, too, and distractions can help. “Spending time with friends, exercising and making a plan to help you stick to your goals is important,” she adds.
Be aware of your limit
Know your personal limit, as well as the recommended guidelines. Everyone’s tolerance level is different, so figure out yours, warns Annabelle. “Alcohol is linked to seven types of cancer, liver disease and heart disease. But it’s easy to reduce your risks by following the low-risk guidelines of 14 units a week, which is about six or seven glasses of wine. It’s about planning your drinking and ensuring you’re aware of long-term impacts,” she says.
Take into myth what you are going to produce
Reduced, or no, alcohol consumption brings a significant number of benefits to your physical and mental well-being. There are the obvious ones, like having better sleep, avoiding these dreaded hangovers – including hangxiety – increased mental clarity, and a generally less sluggish feeling. But what about these unexpected benefits that come with giving up drink? Annabelle adds that “better skin, weight loss and lower blood pressure” can also result.
Be kind to your self
Don’t be hard on yourself – even those with a genuine interest in trying sobriety may waver for various reasons, including social events and celebrations.
“I don’t think anybody should be made to feel uncomfortable for their choices, as we are all motivated in many different ways. And it’s about supporting one another and being ready to talk about it,” says Annabelle. “It’s really important to have periods of sobriety in your life and periods where you’re drinking a little more.”
Victoria Emes is a command creator who lives in London along with her husband Rob and their two younger folks, frail seven and 4.
“I had a fairly ‘normal’ relationship with drinking – sharing a bottle of wine with my husband once or twice a week. Then having the occasional blowout, where I’d feel a little guilty the next day.”
But alcohol occupied a lot of my mental space. I’d think, ‘It’s almost the weekend, so I’ll have a drink’ or, ‘I better not drink tonight because I won’t be able to handle being hungover.’
When I did drink, I’d wake at 3am with palpitations and feel awful dread for the next couple of days. I first decided to quit about five years ago, but I never managed to stick with it. It wasn’t serious enough for me to feel like I needed to stop.
Then in Would perchance perchance moreover impartial 2022 my dad, who had leukaemia, was once given a terminal prognosis and my drinking became a coping mechanism.
One evening, I poured a gin and became truly upset. I thought, ‘I’m not going to handle his death in this state of mind. I need to quit.’
The first month was tough, but I always had an alcohol-free alternative at home and there’s a lot of support online. I joined a community called the Rebellion Mums Membership, which has been very helpful.
I lost my dad last year. At Christmas, I longed to drink and numb the grief. But I didn’t.
Now, I’m 10 months sober and my anxiety has almost entirely gone. My sleep has improved vastly and I’m a much better parent. Plus, I’ve been more focused in my work. I’m more confident and look younger, too. A win all around!
For customized recommendation and pointers, attempt the Ingesting Evaluate at drinkaware.co.uk
