Women and alcohol: misrepresented and misunderstood

Women's use of alcohol has been increasing over the last few decades. The physical, psychological and social effects of alcohol are more severe for women than for men. The underlying causes of women's drinking differ from those of men, which poses a challenge to nurses working in the specialist field of alcohol misuse. This article explored women's relationship with alcohol and treatment services, and identified that these treatment services are not specific to women's needs. To conclude, in order to offer women sensitive services, practitioners need knowledge of gender issues.