According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that approximately 15% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 admitted to binge drinking in their postpartum period. Other facts that emerged from the study, represented by this infographics and with additional research on the subject by https://www.addictionhelper.com, shows that:
- Some of the reasons women binge drink include financial pressures, multi-tasking demands, and the high standards set for them by society.
- Most women strive to be hardworking and successful in their careers, and at the same time contribute to community, be efficient at home and even blog too. This puts pressure on them, making them resort to alcohol and some drugs.
- Recent studies show women are involved in more drunk-driving incidents and are at a higher risk of developing alcohol-related complications more than men.
- NIAAA reports a 50 – 100 % increase in death rates of women alcoholics than men.
- 1 in 8 pregnant women admitted to taking at least a bottle of alcohol a day.
- Up to 6,000 babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) yearly in the US. FASD only develops in foetuses when the mother consumed alcohol while pregnant.
- Consumption of drugs during pregnancy can lead to several complications such as death of foetus, miscarriage, premature labour, and placental abruption. Alcohol and opiates, amongst other drugs, have huge effects on foetuses.
- Postpartum mothers (from birth – 3 months) are likely to develop Postpartum Disorder (PPD). Studies show that PPD is likely to occur in up-to 14.5% of new mothers. 17.1% of these affected mothers resort to binge drinking.
- Nearly every mother is prone to postpartum disorder. This includes mothers with special needs and those who experienced stillbirths or miscarriages.
- Symptoms of PPD include extreme feelings of sadness, lack of appetite, dependency on alcohol or drugs, inability to concentrate, and suicidal thoughts.
- Signs that indicate a mom is addicted and needs help include ability to binge drink without getting intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, getting into fights or accidents as a result of drinking, and complaints from co-workers or loss of job.