An evening drink might be something you enjoy. It might also be something you have started wondering about: am I choosing this, or is it becoming harder to change?
I want Her Own Way to have room for that question before anyone feels they need a label or a dramatic turning point.
Why this study caught my attention
On 21 September 2026, Keck Medicine of USC summarised research published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers looked at US surveys from 2018–2024. Drinking overall had fallen from its pandemic-era peak, but the pattern was different across age groups. [1]
Among adults aged 50–64, heavy drinking in 2024 remained more than one-third above its 2018 level. That means an increase relative to the earlier figure. It does not mean one-third of everyone in that age group drinks heavily. [1]
The group included men and women, and these were US figures. They do not describe how common heavy drinking is among Australian women or establish menopause as the reason. This article uses the research team’s summary, rather than a review of the complete paper.
A survey cannot describe your evening
Numbers cannot tell me what a drink means in your life. Enjoyment, company, habit or relief may all come into it. Nor can they tell us what would make a change feel possible.
For me, the useful starting point is more personal: how does drinking fit into your life now, and does that still feel right for you? Midlife changes can be part of the conversation without becoming the assumed explanation.
Where you could begin
You might ask yourself what you hope a drink will do at the end of the day. Has your drinking changed from what you intended? What feels difficult when you think about cutting back? What kind of support would feel respectful and practical?
These are conversation starters, not a test you need to pass or a diagnosis. You can bring uncertainty to a GP or alcohol support service.
There is more than one story here
I want to hear from women at different points: curious about drinking less, looking for treatment or already in recovery. I am not going to invent their experiences or assume the same goal for everyone.
Healthdirect describes alcohol dependence as treatable and recommends a supportive conversation with a clinician. [2] Asking for help can begin with a question.
Support in Australia
If you may be alcohol-dependent, speak with a clinician before stopping suddenly. Withdrawal can be unsafe. [3]
For confidential information and support, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015. [4]
Read the original sources
- Keck Medicine of USC: US drinking trends and age-group differences ↗21 September 2026 · Research-team summary of US National Health Interview Survey findings published in Annals of Internal Medicine. The original journal article is linked from the report; full paper not reviewed here.
- Healthdirect: alcohol dependence and treatment support ↗Australian patient guidance · Used for help-seeking context, not Australian prevalence estimates.
- Healthdirect: withdrawal and medical support ↗Patient guidance · Planning withdrawal with a clinician.
- Australian Government: National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline ↗Free, confidential support; routes callers to their state or territory service.