Why are women different?

Although college women's alcohol consumption does not equal that of college men, drinking by women remains a cause for concern.  Lower consumption by women does not necessarily equate with less harm. Women's weight and physiology are different from men's, meaning that, on average, the same amount of alcohol has a greater impact on women.

College women report many of the same adverse consequences related to drinking as do men, such as missed classes, hangovers, and social disruption.  They also report incidents of sexual assault and rape, which are often associated with alcohol use by both partners, and are often a major reason why women drop out of college before graduation.  The first year of college seems to be a time of special risk for women students, due to many women's introduction to the drinking culture on campus and the risk of acquaintance rape.  In addition, women who begin to drink early in their college careers are more likely to drink excessively after college and with more frequent adverse consequences.

Other college women who may be at a higher risk for alcohol problems include lesbians, children of alcoholics, and women with eating disorders.  Lesbian students may experience stress from declaring their sexual orientation and then dealing with possible disapproval from family and friends, and feelings of isolation.  Likewise, daughters of alcoholics often experience feelings of low self worth, especially when their father is the alcoholic.  Anxiety and depression also seem to play a role in eating disorders in addition to problems with alcohol.

Health and counseling services play an important role in campus life in identifying young women who may be at risk for drinking and drug problems due to abuse, growing up as  child of an alcoholic, or having an eating disorder.  In addition, CCSU has a Women's Center knowledgeable about women's issues.  The following resources are available for information or counseling:

Counseling and Wellness   832-1945
University Health Services  Marcus White Annex  832-1925
The Ruth Boyea Women's Center  103 Marcus White  832-1655