On the rocks: Addressing risky alcohol consumption among young women in Canada

A growing and concerning trend happening in Canada, and internationally, is the increasing proportion of young women who are heavy drinkers. Using a review of the literature, expert interviews and survey data collected from 800 young women, ages 18 to 34, across Canada, the study reviews women’s motivations for drinking, their level of alcohol-related risk awareness, as well as issues facing existing alcohol policies and various barriers to change. After a detailed analysis of potential policy options, the study recommends a national legal framework in the form of an Alcohol Act that addresses three areas of policy: marketing and advertising restrictions; national minimum unit pricing; and comprehensive education. By providing additional powers to the federal government, the framework will deter the negative consequences of self-regulation, and improve health outcomes among young women across the country.