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"Males still consume more alcohol, but the differences between men and women are diminishing," Dr Aaron White, of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, notes.
The differences between men and women are diminishing'
Researchers are calling this narrowing of the gap "alarming" after studying things including the number of drinking days in a month and driving under the influence.
Data from yearly national US surveys over the past 10 years was looked at, and scientists found the percentage of people who'd had alcohol in the past 30 days had increased from 44.9 per cent to 48.3 per cent among females. For men it was down from 57.4 per cent to 56.1 per cent. For women, the average number of drinking days in a month also went up from 6.8 to 7.3, with men down from 9.9 to 9.5.
With alcohol linked to health problems including cardiovascular disease and liver issues, it's important to regulate your drinking. But how can you avoid it at this time of year?
If you feel pressurised around work colleagues or family and friends, come up with a strategy for the days you want to socialise sober.
Firstly, don't feel the need to give a reason. If you find it easier, you could say you're on antibiotics, but just staying firm should be enough.
You also don't need to divulge you're not drinking. Simply make sure you get your own drinks at the bar and pretend your soda is a vodka lemonade if you feel the need. Or if you just want to cut down, have a glass of water between every alcoholic beverage.
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