Alcohol Use Disorder in Women

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? India current 0.5%
Is it more common among women? Much lower diagnosed prevalence than men in India; harms may develop at lower exposure
Are women at higher risk? Lower absolute prevalence but distinctive biological/social vulnerability
How much higher is the risk? India 0.5%
How often can it be missed? Very High, particularly where female drinking is stigmatized
Does it show up differently among women? Yes
How might it look different? Drinking may be more concealed; physiological harms can emerge at lower consumption; depression/anxiety frequently coexist
What commonly occurs alongside it? Depression; anxiety; PTSD; other SUD
What can it be confused with? Hazardous drinking vs AUD; depression; anxiety
Common screening tool AUDIT
Separate screening tool for women None necessary
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