Introduction:

The alcohol is now one of the risk factors more impact on the occurrence of chronic
non-communicable diseases related to life styles. According to the World Health
Organization, 9.2% load global disease is attributable to alcohol, and 14% in males
and 3.3% female, only exceeded by tobacco and the high blood pressure. The
Mediterranean culture has served as an example of "wet culture " by present the
main characteristics of wide accessibility and availability alcoholic beverages,
perfectly integrated into everyday activities, and contribute to Portugal is among
the member countries of the European Union, one the biggest consumers of alcohol
per capita. In Europe, there has been a tendency for the homogenization of patterns
of alcohol. However, like other countries in South Europe, such as France, Italy and
Greece, Portugal, the wine remains, particularly in men, the type of alcoholic
beverage consumed preferably. Most comparative studies of alcohol consumption
are made based on the analysis of sales of alcoholic beverages declared. However,
such information does not permit a detailed analysis of consumption defined subgroups, for example, by gender, age and education. To this end, they are necessary
data at the individual level from questionnaires given to representative samples of
the population. Although extensively studied the relationship between the status
socio-economic, behavioral factors and alcohol consumption does not cease to be
controversial. Some studies show that disadvantaged social groups and less
educated often have a higher risk of consuming drinks alcohol, compared to higher
social status groups. However, other studies have shown a positive relationship
between alcohol consumption and socioeconomic status. Other aspects such as the
type and frequency of consumption alcoholic beverages according to the socioeconomic status are important analyze data that vary between populations. In
many studies it has been found a positive association between smoking, physical
inactivity and alcohol consumption. It has also been explored in several studies, the
relationship between alcohol consumption and diet, but the results remain
controversial. Despite the recognition of the influence of social factors and behavior
in alcohol consumption patterns, research on scope of the problems related to
alcohol has been directed mainly the consequences of alcohol consumption and not
so much for its determinants. A detailed individual information regarding the
quantity, frequency and type of most consumed alcoholic beverage, the
characterization of consumers and socio-economic and behavioral factors related to
Alcohol consumption is necessary for the implementation of actions and programs
prevention wishing to reduce risk factors.

2
In recent decades, more and more observed discussion about which alcohol effects
on our organism. But an important factor is being left virtually worldwide: alcohol
acts differently in women and men. Along with the independence of women, also
can observe a higher consumption of alcohol in this part of the population. Upon
such a scenario, it is essential to explain that women have physiological
characteristics that make them more susceptible to the effects of alcohol than men.

Even taking into account differences between genders in relation to body weight,
the same amount of alcohol affects women faster than men. This is because they
have less water in the body (which causes alcohol becomes more concentrated) and
lower levels of hepatic aldehyde dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase
enzymes responsible for the metabolism of the substance. Thus, they become more
vulnerable to the effects of alcohol than men use, including increased risk of abuse
or alcohol dependence.
When we talk about the use of this substance by women, always arises the question
about the effects of alcohol during pregnancy. By crossing the placenta, it can cause
deleterious effects on the fetus, including hyperactivity, attention deficits, learning
and memory. Since there are no scientific studies to define a limit "safe" alcohol
consumption, ie, that does not affect the baby, abstinence is the best and only
recommendation for pregnant women or women who are trying to conceive. They
should not, under any circumstances, drink.
Regardless of gender, alcohol is associated with 60 types of diseases and injuries,
including treble damages, such as traffic accidents, and chronic - for example, heart
disease, liver and related disorders alcohol (abuse or dependence). For women, yet
it is worth emphasizing some consequences of harmful use of this substance:
susceptibility to suffer sexual abuse, sex unprotected and violence. Moreover, in the
last 20 years, we have also been explored the relationship between alcohol
consumption and the risk of developing breast cancer, a major concern among
women. Scientific research indicates that even the consumption of 10 g of alcohol
per day (approximately equivalent to 285 ml of beer, 120 ml wine or 30 ml of
distillate) increases the risk of breast cancer, and the higher the consumption of
alcohol, the greater the risk.
Finally, I consider it important to mention some differences between men and
women suffering from alcohol dependence. They also suffer a huge prejudice and
are very misunderstood in society - which is why generally seek less care services
than men. Additionally, comorbid psychiatric are more common in women, this
means that alcohol dependence occurs concurrently with another mental disorder
such as depression , panic disorder , or eating disorders.