PLEASE DON’T DRIVE –
Nov. 3, 2023 – But the consequences are huge, especially for women. For one thing, women have a lower amount of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that breaks down alcohol. That means, they are more susceptible to liver disease, heart disease and cancer, said Jennifer Gorder, clinical manager of behavioral health services at Ogden Regional Medical Center.
“There’s a definite physical difference in men and women and the way they process alcohol,” Gorder said. “Biologically, women have a higher percentage of body fat and less water, and of course, higher estrogen than men. This all makes the liver more vulnerable to being damaged.”
Gorder said the reason for the increase among women may be due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, although other reasons include the fact that alcohol is socially acceptable and has been more normalized as part of family gatherings, celebrations and just a “good ol’ girls’ night out.”
