Women Experience Greater Subjective Effects of Alcohol During Binge Drinking

A recent clinical study conducted by the Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital and Research Institute reveals that women tend to feel certain effects of alcohol, such as drunkenness and sedation, more intensely than men during episodes of binge drinking. The study focused on understanding sex differences in the experience of alcohol's subjective effects, particularly when alcohol intake occurs in a short period.

Binge drinking, commonly linked with social gatherings among young people, involves consuming more than four standard units of alcohol (SUA) in two hours for women, and more than five for men. It is noteworthy that one SUA contains around 10 grams of alcohol—equivalent to half a mixed drink, a small beer, or a modest glass of wine. Recent surveys show that nearly 10% of individuals aged 15 to 64 have engaged in at least one binge drinking session monthly, with rates climbing among adolescents.

The researchers aimed to determine whether women experience alcohol effects more intensely than men, accounting for biological differences such as body weight, fat composition, enzyme activity, and hormonal factors. To ensure fair comparison, doses were adjusted so that both sexes reached identical blood alcohol concentrations (BAC). Despite this parity, women reported more pronounced feelings of drunkenness and sedation, indicating a heightened sensitivity to alcohol's subjective effects.

Another aspect explored was the misconception that energy drinks can mitigate the sedative effects of alcohol. A related study involving young adults aged 18-25 showed that even when energy drinks were mixed with alcohol, driving ability and reaction times were similarly impaired in both men and women. However, consuming energy drinks did not improve safety; rather, it could foster a false sense of control, potentially encouraging risky behaviors such as unsafe driving or risky sexual activities.

Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of recognizing sex differences in alcohol response and the dangers of believing that energy drinks can offset alcohol’s effects. The research underscores the need for targeted prevention strategies and public health messaging to address binge drinking behaviors and associated risks.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-women-susceptible-subjective-effects-alcohol.html