It is well known that the prevalence of alcohol use disorders is increasing and represents an important health problem worldwide. Nonetheless, there are an insufficient number of population-based prevalence studies on alcohol use disorders among the general population and women in Turkey. Among the studies performed in Turkey, it has been reported that alcohol use disorders are more common among males and that alcohol use among females is increasing, as in other countries. The alcohol use among females differs from males' in many respects. The purpose of this article was to review the physical differences between males and females relevant to the metabolism of alcohol, and to organic and mental problems caused by alcohol use. In addition we sought to draw attention to the necessity for effective preventative and treatment methods for women.