Midlife Australian women increasingly turn to alcohol amid perimenopause anxiety

Data from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey indicate that risky drinking among Australian women aged 45 to 60 has risen sharply from 2001 to 2019. Research by Macquarie University last year found many women over 40 rely on alcohol to cope with concealed perimenopausal anxiety, a period marked by declining progesterone and reduced GABA activity. Addiction specialist Chris Davis, co-founder of Clean Slate Clinic, says his caseload is now dominated by women in their late 30s to early 50s, despite men traditionally being the focus of alcohol-risk screening.

He explains that women’s body composition leads to a “telescoping effect,” causing faster dependence and greater health damage. The article highlights the story of Melbourne resident Mish Wright, who habitually drank wine after work, experienced sleep disturbances during perimenopause, and saw her health improve after abstaining. Davis urges women to reassess alcohol’s benefits, noting that even modest reductions can boost overall health.