Run By Women for Women

A Women's service

Problems with alcohol used be perceived as a male issue but this has changed. Scottish women are drinking more and the number of alcohol related deaths of women has doubled in the last decade.

More and more women are using alcohol to cope with the stresses and problems in their lives. Alcohol can be a pleasant, very effective, and fast acting tranquilliser: It is also a highly addictive drug which seriously affects mental and physical health. Why then are so many women turning to this self-destructive way of coping?

The Family - Women in their role as mother or carer can use alcohol as a prop to cope with exhaustion, isolation and possibly feelings of loss of role when children leave home
Relationships/partnerships- Heavy drinking by partners, whether male or female, contributes to the start of heavy drinking and equally the loss of a partner can trigger harmful drinking
Work- women working in male oriented occupations and intensely competitive environments with heavy drinking cultures
Money worries/housing/unemployment
Low self esteem/confidence/depression
Bereavement/loneliness/separation/divorce
Domestic abuse
Unresolved problems in childhood and/or adolescence
Childhood sexual abuse
Eating disorders .

Barriers to getting appropriate help

The stigma attached to an alcohol problem is greater for women, and there is more family pressure on women not to admit to the problem. Women also fear the consequences of making the problem public, eg. loss of custody of children. Women, compared to men, may experience less social support from family and friends for entering treatment/support programmes.

Women are also stigmatised for drinking in the home, as this conflicts image of women and motherhood as being self-denying and nurturing of both men and children. Women feel that society is more disapproving of their problem drinking and this acts as a barrier to many women seeking help.

Many feel intimidated by mixed gender organisations where they can be forced into stereotypical roles (romantic and domestic). There are also problems of organising time to attend treatment as women are often carers. Childcare can also be a problem. Because of this many women have to choose between meeting parental responsibilities and achieving recovery or change. The overall lack of an 'appropriate fit' means women are avoiding many sources of help.

Outcomes from attending Libra

Reduction in alcohol use -learning to live without or to maintain decrease in consumption
Increase in self esteem/self worth
Improvement in strategies for dealing with difficult situations and relationships
Improvement in own ability to trust and express feelings
Improvement in opportunities for work, relationships and recreation
Improvement in physical health and wellbeing

Libra is the only women-only alcohol service provider in Scotland.

Libra operates in a non-judgemental way. We do not stipulate abstinence if your aim is to cut down your drinking. You don't have to do it on your own. We can help you to get to grips with your drinking and other problems you may face. Libra can help you address the underlying issues which affect your drinking.

The Image of the drinking woman

There are several distinct images of women and drink today. Popular images include the strong drinking image, being one of the lads (ladette) and also the sophisticated glamour image, often linked to smoking and sex, that is promoted by the media and advertising.

Alcohol is a heavily marketed product. The drinks industry is increasingly targeting women as consumers of alcohol through advertising and the development of 'women friendly', attractive drinking venues.

Our aims

to raise awareness of issues surrounding women with alcohol problems

to promote preventative approaches

to provide counselling, self-help and support groups and advice for women

to seek/initiate co-operation within any other statutory or voluntary with similar objectives to Libra

Helping women regain balance in their lives