State-level estimates of alcohol use among women

• Estimates of alcohol use among women of childbearing age vary from state to state.
• The maps below show estimates of current alcohol use and binge drinking among women of childbearing age (aged 18-44 years).
• Data come from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a telephone survey that tracks national and state-specific self-reported health risk behaviors of adults, 18 years and older, in the United States.

Among states with lower prevalence estimates of any alcohol use among women aged 18-44 years, some have higher percentages of binge drinkers than others.

• Compared to most states, some states have a lower prevalence of alcohol use and binge drinking among women aged 18-44 years, but a higher proportion of binge drinkers among those who drink alcohol.
• For instance, Utah and West Virginia each have a lower prevalence of any alcohol use and binge drinking, compared to other states. But among women who reported any alcohol use, a high percentage also reported binge drinking.