Young women in Chile are consuming alcohol at higher rates than men, marking a significant shift in national substance use patterns. Data from the National Service for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Drug and Alcohol Consumption (Senda) shows that 32.5% of female students reported drinking in the last month, compared to 27.2% of male students.
The trend is particularly acute in higher education. Among more than 28,000 students surveyed, 60.5% of women who consume alcohol reported episodes of intoxication. The study also recorded a 5.7% usage rate of unprescribed tranquilizers among this demographic.
The link to mental health
Experts argue that this surge is deeply rooted in mental health struggles. Dr. Matías Ibáñez, director of Clínica Pellet Chile, notes that young women in the country report higher levels of anxiety and depression than men, often using alcohol as a form of emotional self-medication.
“Many times the consumption is not the underlying problem, but the way in which one is trying to manage anxiety, depression, or emotional distress,” Ibáñez said. “The alcohol functions as a momentary escape valve, but the cost later is higher.”
The normalization of drinking in social settings, particularly among university students, has lowered the perceived risk of alcohol consumption. This cultural shift, combined with peer pressure, makes early intervention difficult, especially for those who maintain a functional lifestyle during the work week.
These "weekend drinkers" often go undetected because they do not fit the traditional image of a person struggling with addiction. Dr. Ibáñez warns that the stigma surrounding female alcohol use prevents many from seeking help until the situation becomes critical.
Common warning signs include post-consumption amnesia, intense anxiety or depression following a hangover, and behavioral changes while intoxicated. Experts advise that families should look for recurring conflicts and broken promises regarding self-control.
Successful recovery requires more than a single medical intervention. Dr. Ibáñez advocates for a four-pillared treatment model that includes psychotherapy, family support, physical activity, and pharmacological treatment. He stresses that medical aids like implants are merely a starting point.
“I always tell my patients that the pellet is the boat; it keeps them afloat,” Ibáñez said. “But to reach the shore, they have to row. And rowing alone is not enough.”
