The Guardian Recent figures published by Alcohol Concern suggest that one in five women drinks more than the recommended daily limit. Stress and increased spending power are seen as major factors. But this overlooks the fact that we also drink because it is utterly enjoyable, a wonderful way to unwind and to counteract shyness. It's a fast escape, a short holiday. Women's lives are so consumed by juggling work and family that they need quick thrills to squeeze into limited free time.
Alcohol fits the bill perfectly.
Even in the company of pregnant friends, or those who have just given birth, the real pain of childbirth seems nowadays to be having to stop getting drunk for nine months. Breastfeeding is replaced by the bottle as soon as possible, to make way for the other bottle. They smile out from behind the counter of every corner shop. You can go for a meal, the cinema, theatre, even the zoo to try to avoid it, but it is there as well. And pubs are forever developing new ways to attract more women.