New Research Shows Problem Drinking Has a Serious Impact on Dallas Women

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Jun 22, 2010, 09:00 ET

Caron Texas Poll examines women and alcohol in the Dallas Metroplex and offers tips for empowerment

DALLAS, June 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- You may think you know what a woman with a drinking problem looks like. But you might be surprised to learn that in Dallas she's probably between the ages of 25-39, single, prefers wine and beer to hard liquor, drinks more with her girlfriends than on a date or with work colleagues and may not sleep well, according to new research from Caron Texas, a world renowned addiction treatment center to open outside of Dallas in July. She also tends to reveal too much information about herself when she drinks and there's a strong chance she's driven under the influence in the last five years.

The recent Caron Texas online community survey was conducted by independent researchers, The Dallas Marketing Group. The poll queried women ages 25-59, living in one of five designated counties of the Dallas Metroplex, with an annual household income of $50,000 or more.

"There is nothing wrong with a woman drinking alcohol when she can do so in a healthy and moderate way," said Dr. Ann Miller, regional vice president for Caron Texas. "However, these research results are significant because they show that many Dallas women are touched by problem drinking -- if not in their own homes, then in those of family or friends."

Girls' Night Out or Girls Gone Wild?

Whether you're watching Sex & The City or The Real Housewives, images glamorizing women drinking alcohol together as a bonding ritual have saturated our culture. It's clear from the poll, however, that for many of these women drinking alcohol has become a slippery slope. For some, their consumption may head into a dangerous downward spiral. In particular, the DMG findings show that:

58% of adult females agree women are more likely to drink too much when they are out with female friends than when on a date. Agreement is even greater among those age 25-39 (65%).
81% of women in the 25-39 age group say that they have witnessed someone reveal too much personal information about themselves or someone else several or many times while under the influence of alcohol.
56% of women polled think that having more than two drinks is acceptable for a party with friends and/or family (According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, moderate drinking is defined as no more than one drink a day for women)
21% of women polled have driven under the influence within the past five years (25-39 is 32%)
Within the past couple of years, respondents indicate that they have had to strongly urge a female friend or colleague not to drive because of how much they've had to drink (19%). Those who are unmarried (33%), childless (30%) and/or age 25-39 (30%) exhibit well above average likelihood to agree with this statement.
Nearly one of three (31%) adult females said their sleep is sometimes disturbed after drinking alcohol. Such agreement is particularly high among those with no children (39%) and age 25-39 (41%).

Friends Want Friends To Stay Safe & Healthy

There is good news! The majority of women polled agree they would know how to reach out to a female friend or loved one if they thought that person might have a problem with alcohol. However, one in five women (20%) still don't know what to say in this situation.

"It's important to remember that substance abuse impacts women from all walks of life and nobody should deal with these issues alone," said Dr. Miller. "Secrets and shame keep us sick. But with hope and the proper treatment – a woman can make an extraordinary recovery."

Editors please note

Based upon survey findings and Caron's vast experience with this issue, a package of free educational materials and tips were developed:

The full research report will also be available upon request.

About Caron Texas

Caron Texas is a not-for-profit organization which will provide comprehensive, high-quality, evidenced-based and gender-specific addiction treatment to adults in Texas and the southwest who may also suffer from a co-occurring disorder(s). In keeping with the Caron treatment model, Caron Texas will offer a multi-disciplinary treatment approach including detoxification, a full behavioral, medical, psychiatric and spiritual continuum of care, and gender separate and gender specific programs. Incoming patients will go through on-site detoxification as needed and will also receive a medical and behavioral assessment by Caron's licensed clinical staff. Caron's staff to patient ratio is among the highest in the country - one counselor for every three patients. The minimum length of stay at the 40-bed residential treatment facility will be four weeks with extended care options available. The 28,000-square-foot facility is set on 40 acres and will offer many amenities including a 14,000-square-foot fitness center and a swimming pool. Consistent with Caron's charitable mission, Caron Texas will establish a significant scholarship fund for Dallas-area residents. These funds will provide assistance with the costs associated with treatment to those who otherwise would not be able to afford treatment for themselves or a loved one. Similar to its Pennsylvania and Florida facilities, Caron Texas will put a major emphasis on treating the family as part of the treatment and recovery process. Family members will attend a five-day educational and therapeutic program to learn about the disease of addiction and develop tools for their own recovery. Caron Texas will be staffed by highly skilled and credentialed clinicians. In addition, the non-profit is in the process of establishing an advisory board of community leaders and donors. Announcements will be forthcoming throughout the year. For more information, please visit http://www.carontexas.org or call 1.800.678.2332.

SOURCE Caron Texas