Women are more likely than men to become binge drinkers because they get a greater buzz from alcohol, a study has found. When oestrogen levels are high, a woman's body responds to drink by releasing the hormone dopamine - which triggers a sense of reward in the brain. However, when their oestrogen receptors were reduced due to blocked receptors, their feelgood response was also reduced. 'If alcohol drinking is higher during times when oestrogen levels are elevated, this can contribute to both the health risks of alcohol drinking and increase the likelihood of developing severe alcohol drinking problems.' The research suggests a drug which blocks oestrogen receptors, such as one used for fighting breast cancer, may help beat alcoholism in women.

Source: Daily Mail June 02, 2020 12:33 UTC