Behind the glass: Midlife women, alcohol and support in North Yorkshire

Healthwatch North Yorkshire wanted to better understand women's experiences of alcohol during midlife and identify what support could make the biggest difference.

Between August and October 2025, they gathered views from women through a range of activities, including an online and paper survey, interviews, group discussions and a therapeutic photography session. A total of 293 women aged 40 to 60 completed the survey. Some also took part in follow up interviews and group discussions. Most people were aged between 50 and 60 and had experience of menopause. Many were in paid employment and around one third had caring responsibilities. Women from rural, urban and coastal communities across North Yorkshire took part, providing a broad range of experiences and perspectives.

Women’s drinking in midlife is shaped by daily routines, stress, menopause, and life pressures. While many cut down, others increase their drinking or use alcohol to cope when support is limited.

 Many women are drinking at levels that could affect their health, but awareness of support is low, and stigma often prevents them seeking help. Women prefer flexible, discreet, and informal support. 

Overall, there is a need for earlier, clearer, and more accessible support. This should focus not just on alcohol use itself, but on the underlying reasons why women drink, such as stress, anxiety, poor sleep, menopause symptoms, trauma, loneliness, and caring or work pressures. Addressing these issues may help reduce reliance on alcohol and support long-term wellbeing.