Alcohol Use in Women
Women tend to get drunk at a much faster rate than men. Despite the fact that men and women may have the same amounts of alcohol, a woman’s BAC (blood alcohol content) will be much higher. This occurs because women and men have different bodies which each metabolize alcohol differently. Hormone levels in women may also make them more susceptible to alcohol’s effects. The effects of alcohol can be very detrimental to a person’s health and alcoholic treatment at one of the many alcohol rehabilitation centers is often recommended.
Addiction to alcohol is also another common problem for women because addiction occurs at a much faster rate in women who abuse alcohol than in men who abuse it. Unfortunately in today’s society, the amount of women who abuse alcohol and drugs has been steadily increasing and is now equal to about one quarter of all users. Treatment for alcoholism is available for those suffering from chemical dependency and alcohol abuse.
Alcohol’s Complications in Women
Women tend to be more susceptible to certain types of complications as a result of excessive alcohol use. These medical problems include:
- Heart complications (heart disease, etc.)
- Poor nutrition
- Cancer
- Fertility and childbirth complications
- Liver problems
- Brain damage (shrinkage of the brain, dementia)
- Osteoporosis
- High death rate (suicide, accidents)
- Breast cancer
- Menstruation complications (early menopause, etc.)
Before you or a loved one fall victim to these complications, seek alcohol treatment rehab at one of the many drug and alcohol rehab centers. These alcohol rehabilitation centers specialize in treating those with addiction problems and offer a variety of therapies and programs to assist in the alcoholic treatment process.
Why do Women Abuse Alcohol?
Many women use alcohol in an attempt to improve awkward moods, relieve boredom and stress, lose weight, handle depression, or increase confidence. Sexual abuse or eating disorders are other common reasons to use alcohol. These two problems tend to be more common in women. Therapy offered at a drug and alcohol rehab center can help you or your loved one deal with suppressed emotions which may have lead to alcohol abuse and addiction.
In response to a crisis, women often turn to alcohol as the solution. Also, women are more susceptible to having poor self-esteem as a result of drinking alcohol. Low self-esteem from alcohol consumption is uncommon in men. Types of crisis situations in which a woman may turn to alcohol for relief include:
- Divorce
- Homelessness
- Violence
- Unemployment
- Incest
- Miscarriage
- Family abuse
Women and men are often affected negatively by parents who consume alcohol, especially compared to children of parents who do not drink alcohol. Studies have shown that women however, are affected to a greater degree by these instances. Behavioral problems such as difficulty obeying authority figures are instances that take place differently in men and women.
Women who are busy in the home, have jobs, are married, or have been happily married are often less likely to develop drinking problems than women who have little to do, feel deprived in their responsibilities, are divorced, or have never been married. If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol addiction or abuse and is in need of alcohol rehab, call one of the many alcohol rehabilitation centers today.
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