A Wasted Youth

Why Women Drink

Domonique Bertolucci is a Sydney based personal coach, and author of the book Your Best Life (Hodder). She says that two culprits are stress and poor role models.

"The average person has a higher stress level than ever before, and alcohol provides a short-term release, " Bertolucci explains. "This increase in stress is caused by a number of things, including work-related pressures, pressures from the media and advertising to look a certain way, and the pressure to be sexy and relaxed with the opposite sex."

When it comes to role models, Bertolucci says that continual reporting of "it girl" bad behaviour and binge drinking in the media normalises it among young women. "Every week there is another story about Paris [Hilton] falling down drunk, or Lindsay [Lohan] collapsing in a club," she says. "Young women see it as acceptable or even an aspirational way to behave."

Bertolucci says that drinking can overflow into many other areas of life. "You may find that you compromise the goals you have - you might blow your budget, ruin your diet, or damage a relationship by being unfaithful," she says.

"And turning up to work with a hangover will definitely impact your ability to perform to your full potential, compromising your goals for your career."

Getting Help

If you feel that you're drinking too much, one thing you can do is try to identify the reasons behind your behaviour. Bertolucci suggests paying attention to your "inner voice" before you take your first drink.

"You may find that you are having internal conversations about being stressed, being uncomfortable or shy, worrying about your appearance or feeling insecure," she says. "By understanding what you are thinking before you drink, you will have a clearer idea about what issue you are trying to resolve by drinking excessively.

"Instead of using alcohol as a quick fix, you can begin to work on reducing stress levels, building your self-esteem and social confidence or any other area of your personal development that may need attention."

Joanna Hall

The Sunday Telegraph, Body and Soul, 17th December 2006