An increasing number of women are self-medicating with alcohol and many depend on it just to get through the day but at what cost?

In the past men were known as the heavier drinkers but these days men and women are more or less on an equal standing when it comes to alcohol consumption, according to UNSW researchers.

According to alcohol researcher Janice Withnall, the number of women aged between 35 and 59 drinking at levels harmful to their health has doubled in the last 20 years.

While moderate alcohol consumption has its benefits, excessive drinking has effects on our mental and physical wellbeing. Find out more at http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/what-is-the-cost-to-our-lives-of-selfmedicating-with-alcohol-20161115-gsqb0l.html