Female Alcoholics When we juxtapose the words "woman" and "alcoholic" many readers are surprised. However, the plight of America's several million female alcoholics is rapidly increasing in intensity. The statistics is inexact because it is underestimated that there are nine covert alcoholics for every one under treatment. women drink to help themselves to cope with the life's vicissitudes. They drink because of the financial pressures, incompatibility, frustration, and related reasons. Barmecide feast--The committee always boasts about its luncheon, but to my way of thinking it's a real Barmedice feast. (pretended generosity.)