Short Wave 'Off The Charts' Rise In Alcoholic Liver Disease Among Young Women
May 24, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Yuki Noguchi, an NPR science correspondent covering consumer health, sheds light on the alarming rise of alcoholic liver disease among young women, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic. They explore how even moderate drinking can lead to severe liver damage. Yuki shares insights into the personal stories of those affected, including a Kentucky Teacher of the Year battling addiction. The conversation highlights the stigma surrounding alcoholism and the crucial need for better treatment access and community support.
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Jessica's Story
- Jessica Duenas, Kentucky Teacher of the Year, hid her alcoholism while excelling professionally.
- The pandemic exacerbated her struggles, leading to relapses and the loss of her boyfriend to overdose.
Women's Vulnerability
- Women are disproportionately affected by increased home responsibilities and societal pressures, contributing to alcohol use.
- Biological factors also make women more susceptible to alcoholic liver disease.
Normalizing Drinking
- Pop culture normalizes and even encourages drinking to cope with stress, masking the underlying problem.
- Many social drinkers can become problem drinkers without realizing it, especially with increased pandemic-related stress.