Ask Pat

Is it safe to drink.....

Q)Is it okay for an woman, height of 5'1 about 125 pounds to digest more then a half case of beer or more in a night?

A)

Well let's put it this way if a woman says she can drink any man under the table then I want to talk to her. A few thoughts.. one drink for a woman is the equivalent of two for men, women get high on less alcohol and become addicted more quickly. Women can develop physical complications such as liver disease, high blood pressure, and hepatitis easier, women's bodies are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol because of lower body weight, having 10% more fat than men, and having less water in their bodies to dilute the alcohol. Women have less alcohol dehydrogenase the enzyme which breakdowns alcohol. Alcohol stays in a womens stomach longer and in their system longer before being metabolized, and so feel drunk faster and longer. Due to hormonal changes which affect the menstral cycle women have a less predictable response to alcohol both physically and psychologically.In addition alcohol has been linked to risky sexual behaviros. In fact 75% of college students who experience unwanted intercourse are under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incidence. so my gut says no to your question.