Social pressures can create or deteriorate emotional negative states. Across cultures,
women are bombarded by social expectations and the consequent pressures to fulfill societal,
community, religious, and family ideals. They often feel under scrutiny or blamed for not living
up to these unrealistic expectations or for wanting to go a different way. Often, they internalize
these feelings, as though they are at fault, which results in shame and guilt: “I’m not good
enough”; “I didn’t do my best”; “I should do more.”
Many women use alcohol, whether subconsciously or otherwise, as a way to calm
external and internalized pressures. Single mothers, stay-at-home moms, professionals under
stress or required to attend company events, shy women, women going through divorces, or empty-nesters may feel compelled to drink often, believing that alcohol helps them to cope with
the challenges they face. Slowly, alcohol becomes a crucial part of their lives and daily routines.
If other women are doing this too, women’s social environments become a space to gain
validation from other women and find shared rationale or justification for drinking-related
behaviors and decisions. “It’s not your fault.” “They just don’t understand you.” “You did the
best you could.” “You deserve this drink.”
Drinking can make people forget the weight of life’s pressures and demands, at least for
that evening or social gathering. As the saying goes, “Alcohol is not the answer, but it makes you
forget the question.” Within the context of the feminine drinking culture—women drinking in
women-populated social circles—it’s easier to find some release and have a relaxing moment.

References:
Lamberghini-West, A., Triplett, P., (2024, 06/09). TIPSY, A Woman Self-Guided Method for Managing Alcohol.
Copyright (2024) unpublished manuscript