The Glass You Do Not Question:
Why Alcohol Becomes the Quiet Coping Strategy in Menopause
For many women in midlife, alcohol is not the problem. It is the pattern.
The evening glass of wine. The drink to “take the edge off.” The habit that feels small, controlled and entirely deserved after a long day of work, leadership and responsibility.
But the data tells a more complex story.
In the United Kingdom, midlife women are now among the most consistent drinkers, with those aged forty-five to sixty-four least likely to abstain and more likely to drink regularly than younger groups. At the same time, studies show that one in five midlife women are drinking at increasing or higher-risk levels, often without recognising it as such.
Alongside this, emerging menopause research reveals that many women are not drinking for enjoyment, but for relief. Managing disrupted sleep, anxiety and the physical discomfort that comes with hormonal change. In fact, one in three women report drinking more during perimenopause or menopause, often specifically to cope with symptoms.
This is where the pattern becomes difficult to ignore.
It is important to remember that alcohol does not sit outside menopause, it interacts with it. Oftentimes it can worsen hot flashes, increase anxiety and disrupt sleep further, creating a cycle where the very thing used to cope begins to intensify the symptoms it is meant to ease.
For Black women, this pattern is even more layered. Earlier onset of menopause, more severe symptoms and higher exposure to chronic stress create the conditions where coping mechanisms become necessary, but rarely examined. Dr. Cheryl Woods-Giscombé’s work on the “Superwoman Schema” explains why. Many Black women are conditioned to continue performing at a high level, regardless of what is happening internally.
So the habit remains unquestioned. The glass remains justified and the shift in the body is often misread as stress, rather than change.
Until the body forces a different conversation.
"This is not about blame it is about awareness."
When a coping mechanism becomes routine, it stops being visible. When it stops being visible, it becomes difficult to challenge, even when it is no longer serving you.
It Starts With What You Are Not Questioning
If this made you pause, you are not alone. Many women are navigating this shift without language, without support and without clear information.
We have explored this in depth in our latest feature, connecting menopause, alcohol and the hidden coping patterns many women are experiencing.
Read the full article here: https://www.nbwn.org/post/in-the-quiet-between-sips
Then take a moment to reflect. Not on how much you drink, but on why.
If this resonates, share it with a woman who may be asking herself the same quiet question.
Disclaimer:
This content is for awareness and educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance.
