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Matching steps with men?

What makes women reach out for the bottle? Depression, peer pressure and sometimes even the need to look sophisticated

How do we define drinking in the context of some women who sign off after a hard day at work by just sipping a glass of gin `n' juice? Is drinking a pleasure-giving activity? Is it a stress buster? A social obligation? Is it because one succumbs to peer pressure? Is it an escape when one is mad or sad? Is it a welcome part of a hearty, healthy hangout? Many of us would drink for all these reasons.

After all, a glass of the bubbly lifts our spirits. There is no denying that moderate alcohol can be good for health, reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

But, why is today's self-confident, power woman on a cocktail-quaffing spree? Drinking is a slippery slope.

Jhanvi* says she enjoys her drink. But adds, "I don't consider myself an alcoholic. I drink only on weekends. I don't binge!"

"Personally, I wonder how much fun it would be to visit a pub with a date who is going to remain sober," says Avinash*, a student. And here's what Aditi*, a pub hopper, has to say, "Why do you assume that every woman who goes to a pub is an alcoholic or drinks to excess?" A point to be noted.

Women's enjoyment of alcohol is amplified in popular culture. It is this trend that has even got companies working overtime to create sweet alcoholic drinks that are pitched specifically at women. Also, given the gender sensitivity to alcohol, women are apt to move more quickly across the continuum from moderate drinking to problem drinking.

Why does this happen? Pound for pound, women have less water in their bodies than men do, so the alcohol that is in their bloodstream is less diluted and corrodes their bodies more quickly.

The gender gap is closing for all ages and there is no difference in drinking behaviour. But DNA is not destiny; lifestyles and careers count, too.

At what point does drinking for relaxation become a problem? Shanti Narayan*, a media person, has not experienced any negative effects from drinking. Instead, she finds it therapeutic.

Strangely enough, more women think that by drinking they blank out negative feelings. Shilpa Reddy*, who works for a multinational, says she is more likely to drink out of a sensation-seeking urge.

Style and drinking have an intimate relationship. "Drinking has to do with the glam end of one's social status," says Smitha*, who visits a pub regularly. An executive with a BPO, she adds, "I drink to be trendy and sophisticated."

Then there are those high-end crybabies who believe that drinking alleviates depression and helps shake off sexual inhibitions. Well, women are wise enough to make a spirited effort to draw the line between club soda, sips and swigs. As some quick-witted soul put it, alcohol is for people who can't handle reality... or, wait,... reality is for people who can't handle alcohol.

LASYA VEMPARALA

(*Names have been changed on request)

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