Resources
How To Help A Friend With A Drinking Problem
Recent surveys of Minnesota women’s drinking confirm that women between 18-44 years of age drink more heavily and binge drink more often than women in nearly every other state.
It isn’t always easy to tell if someone has a drinking problem.
But, if you’re concerned about someone, you’ve probably noticed some problems.
Perhaps she has increased her drinking over time or she’s gotten into some kind of trouble. Maybe drinking is hurting her relationship with you.
What Can I Do To Help?
While it is smart for some women to cut down on their drinking, others shouldn’t drink at all, especially if they are pregnant, have certain medical conditions or use certain medications.
Check out the recommended drinking levels for women in the glossary.
Is She Risk Drinking?
If your friend is willing to explore her drinking at this time, ask her to visit this website and learn more about the Smart Women Smart Choices program.
- Think about talking to her. See tips to prepare for this conversation: When Women Drink Too Much: How to Help a Friend with a Drinking Problem (PDF: 92KB/3 pages).
Is She Alcohol Dependent?
Is She Alcohol Dependent?
- She may be dependent if she has a strong urge to drink and she devotes substantial time to obtaining alcohol, drinking and then recovering.
- She may continue to drink despite significant problems with work or school, the law, health or relationships. She may be dependent even if she does not experience tolerance or withdrawal symptoms.
Is She Drinking And Pregnant?
Drinking and Pregnancy
- Any amount of alcohol can harm the rapidly growing baby. Think about talking to her. For tips on talking with her, download, Drinking and Pregnancy: Women Listen to Those Who Care (PDF: 58KB/4 pages).
- For more information about Drinking and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, go to the Website Resources.
For more information go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website article, Alcohol consumption among women who are pregnant or who might become pregnant
She may need professional help.
- In Minnesota, the first step in getting help is to receive a chemical dependency assessment or evaluation from a professional. For information about alcohol addiction and assessment, go to Minnesota Department of Human Services, Chemical Health Division website.
- Ask her if she would prefer to talk with her doctor about her drinking or if she’d rather directly contact an alcohol abuse treatment program. The doctor will discuss available alcohol treatment services with her and schedule a referral appointment to receive a professional evaluation or alcohol treatment.
You may also decide to talk with her about your concerns.
- Download tips to prepare for this conversation. Helping A Friend with a Drinking Problem (PDF: 92KB/3 pages).
- Or download the free brochure, Hope, help & healing: A guided to helping someone who might have a drug or alcohol problem.
Send A Message To A Friend
Send A Message
- How about letting a girlfriend know about the Smart Women Smart Choices program and this website?
- Send her the iPartySmarter.com website address with your personalized message. She might be glad to know you care.
What Is Risky Or Dangerous Drinking?
When you see the words “risky drinking” or “dangerous drinking” what comes to mind?
Do you think of someone who is always looking for the next drink, experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking, or has serious problems due to their drinking?
A person with this range of problems is likely dependent on alcohol and sometimes called an alcoholic.
To learn more about women and dangerous drinking, go to the risky or dangerous drinking web page or read the PDF files:
- When Women Drink Too Much: After the Party is Over (PDF: 209KB/6 pages)
- When Women Drink Too Much: Drinking and Sex, A Dangerous Brew (PDF: 97KB/5 pages)
