Following a recent U.S. Surgeon General warning on alcohol and cancer, more women aged 40 to 65 are reconsidering their alcohol use. A new survey by SOBRsafe found that 30% in this group are actively pursuing sober or damp lifestyles, signaling a cultural shift driven by rising awareness of alcohol-related health harms.
But barriers such as stigma, cost, and lack of time often prevent women from seeking help.

Surgeon General’s Alert Spurs Shift in Attitudes

A growing number of middle-aged women in the United States are re-evaluating their alcohol use and the role alcohol should play in their lives, in the wake of the U.S. Surgeon General’s recent warning about the link between alcohol and cancer, reports PR Newswire. 

According to a survey conducted by Censuswide on behalf of SOBRsafe, 30% of women aged 40 to 65 who use alcohol are now actively pursuing a sober or “damp” way of life. 

This significant shift reflects increasing public awareness of alcohol-related health harms and the need for more robust alcohol awareness and policy initiatives.

30%
More Women Choosing Sober or Damp Lifestyles
30% of women aged 40 to 65 who use alcohol are now actively pursuing a sober or damp lifestyle.

Emotional Coping and the Rise in Alcohol Use

The survey, which included 1,001 women aged 40–65, revealed key patterns in alcohol use.

  • 28% of respondents said their alcohol use increased after a breakup. 
  • One in four cited parenting stress as a reason for using alcohol. 
  • One in three (34%) use alcohol to unwind or manage anxiety.
  • 28% turn to alcohol due to loneliness.
  • 40% of single women use alcohol to ease first-date anxiety.

Dr. Mandy Neeble Diamond, a clinical forensic psychologist and addiction specialist, noted that women in their 40s often face major emotional transitions. Many use alcohol as a default coping mechanism. However, the stigma and shame surrounding support-seeking keep many trapped in unhealthy behaviours. These new survey findings highlight the urgent need to expand alcohol awareness and support initiatives tailored to women’s lived experiences.

Physical and Mental Health Toll

The same survey showed that alcohol use is taking a toll on women’s health.

For instance:

  • 32% reported gut health problems and digestive discomfort. 
  • 27% experienced disrupted sleep due to alcohol use. 
  • Nearly one in four said alcohol worsened their anxiety or depression. 
  • 23% experienced memory issues linked to alcohol. 
32%
Alcohol Linked to Gut and Digestive Issues
32% reported gut health problems and digestive discomfort related to alcohol use.
1 in 4
Alcohol Worsens Mental Health
Nearly one in four said alcohol worsened their anxiety or depression.
27%
Alcohol Disrupts Sleep for Many
27% experienced disrupted sleep due to alcohol use.

These figures emphasise both the short-term and long-term costs to mental and physical well-being.

Movendi International confirms these harms. A recent review shows that even low-dose alcohol use increases the risk of breast cancer.

For example, the risk of total breast cancer increases by 10% with each additional unit of alcohol consumed daily.

Understanding the Direct Link Between Alcohol and Breast Cancer

Barriers to Seeking Support

Even with rising awareness, many women face serious challenges in accessing help. 

According to the SOBRsafe survey, 

  • 45% are concerned about alcohol dependency.
  • 32% are not ready to stop using alcohol. 
  • 18% cited shame or embarrassment as the reason for not seeking support. 
  • 16% mentioned financial limitations.
  • 13% lacked the time to seek help. 
45%
Concern Over Alcohol Dependency
45% of women are concerned about developing alcohol dependency.

These barriers show the importance of investing in non-stigmatising, affordable, and accessible alcohol addiction services.

A Call for Collective Action

The findings from the Censuswide survey for SOBRsafe and supporting evidence from Movendi International confirm that many women in midlife are not only aware of the harms caused by alcohol but are also actively looking for alternatives.

However, without comprehensive alcohol policy and treatment strategies, including education, health-promoting policies, and support services, meaningful change remains out of reach. Now is the time for evidence-based governance that supports women in achieving freedom from alcohol harm, guided by empathy, innovation, and a commitment to collective well-being.

Source

PR Newswire: “Amid Surgeon General’s Warning on Alcohol and Cancer, Middle-Aged Women Rethink Drinking“