The Complex Relationship Between Alcohol and Midlife Women
For many women in their midlife, balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities can be overwhelming. An evening glass of wine often seems like a small indulgence that helps them unwind. However, this seemingly harmless habit carries real risks that are often overlooked.
Alcohol is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, bowel, mouth, and throat cancer. Even one drink a day increases the risk, with the likelihood rising further as consumption increases. This is particularly concerning given the high rates of alcohol consumption among women in Aotearoa New Zealand.
According to national health data, around 70% of women in New Zealand reported drinking alcohol in 2024–25. Among women aged 35 to 54 who drink, approximately 16–18% consumed six or more standard drinks on a single occasion at least once a month, and around 5–10% did so at least weekly. These statistics highlight the prevalence of alcohol use among this demographic.
But what do these women think about the risks? How do they balance the demands of everyday life with the potential health consequences? And where do societal expectations fit into this equation?
Our latest research aimed to explore these questions and found that the picture is more complicated than it might first appear.
What Women Told Us
We interviewed 50 women aged 35 to 60, both individually and in friendship groups, to understand how they perceive and manage their drinking habits. Overall, 29 women drank alcohol at least twice a week, and 25 usually had three or more drinks on each occasion. A smaller group of ten women drank five or more drinks in a single sitting at least once a week.
The women were highly aware of the immediate effects of alcohol. They spoke about its impact on sleep, energy levels, and weight, drawing on both expert advice and their own experiences of how their bodies responded to drinking, especially during menopause.
However, they spoke far less about the longer-term health risks. When the topic came up, some expressed guilt about their drinking if it later led to cancer. This focus on immediate effects reflects the pressures many women feel in midlife. Today’s “empowered” woman is expected to juggle work and family, care for others, and maintain her own health and appearance.
Keeping up with these demands often means closely managing energy, sleep, and wellbeing. This sense of self-monitoring was also clear in how women described their drinking. Many spoke about tracking how much they drank and how it affected their sleep, energy, and mood, then using that to guide their decisions.
Drinking was often seen as acceptable once work and parenting responsibilities had been met, and when they felt they were maintaining their health and appearance through diet.
Balancing Health Behaviours
Women who drank more heavily often emphasized how they balanced this with other health behaviours. They described exercising, eating well, managing stress, and tracking their consumption through apps. Some also used digital devices to monitor their health.
They also talked about staying aware of their mental state while drinking. For some, alcohol was not seen as a problem if they felt in control – calm, happy, and drinking for enjoyment.
Challenging the Idea of ‘Responsible Drinking’
Notably, the women often positioned themselves as responsible drinkers – even if they were drinking heavily. This aligns with wider messaging from the alcohol industry and public health campaigns that people should “drink responsibly.” The idea suggests there are safe or acceptable levels of drinking, while placing the responsibility on individuals to decide where that line sits.
Yet women live in a climate that encourages alcohol consumption. Alcohol remains socially expected, widely available, and pervasive in everyday environments. It is often marketed to women as a form of self-care: a way to relax, connect, and unwind. Products labelled “low-sugar” or “low-carb” also tap into pressures around body image, creating the impression that some drinks are a healthier choice.
Our findings suggest we need to look beyond individual responsibility and address the wider systems that make drinking feel normal – and even necessary – for many women.
Policy and Support
This could mean policy changes such as higher pricing, reduced availability, and tighter controls on marketing. But it also means recognizing the pressures many women face and finding better ways to support them through busy, demanding stages of life that can amplify the pull of alcohol.
