Alcohol addiction has a significant impact on women’s health, both physically and psychologically. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol use is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and the effects of alcohol addiction are especially severe for women.
Women are more likely to become addicted to alcohol and suffer long-term health problems due to their unique biology. This article outlines the physical and physiological effects that alcohol addictions can cause. This article also explains the importance of treatment for women with alcohol addiction issues.
Alcohol in the Female Body
There is no doubt that gender plays a vital role in alcohol metabolizing. Alcohol affects the female body in a variety of unique ways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women’s bodies tend to absorb and metabolize alcohol differently than men’s. Because of this, women may become intoxicated at lower levels of alcohol consumption than men. This places them at greater risk of developing alcohol addiction.
Additionally, women may experience greater levels of impairment from alcohol than men. This is because of their smaller size as well as their lower levels of enzyme activity in the liver that helps to break down alcohol.
Changes in Cognitive Functioning and Hormone Levels
Another key difference between male and female biology is how alcohol affects cognitive functioning. Studies have demonstrated that women can be more adversely affected by alcohol-induced impairment in terms of memory and reaction time. This can make it harder for women to make sound decisions when under the influence. Unfortunately, this puts them at greater risk of engaging in risky behaviors.
Lastly, alcohol use also has different effects on hormone levels in women than in men. Specifically, heavy drinking can cause an increase in estrogen levels, which can lead to menstrual irregularities and fertility issues.
The Physical Effects of Alcohol Addiction
Studies from Alcohol Research and Health show that, compared to men, women are more susceptible to alcohol-related diseases, including liver cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, stroke, and pancreatitis. Women tend to develop alcohol dependency more quickly and with fewer drinks than men. This is because, on average, women have less water weight than men. Consequently, this makes their blood alcohol levels higher after consuming the same amount of alcohol.
Another unique issue for women is that drinking during pregnancy can cause long-term health issues for their babies. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a severe condition that causes physical and mental congenital disabilities in infants. It is recommended that pregnant women abstain from drinking alcohol altogether.
The Physiological Effects of Alcohol Addiction
When it comes to the effects of alcohol addiction on women, the emotional toll can be particularly damaging. Alcohol use and abuse can have a profoundly negative impact on a woman’s mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. These mental health issues are often compounded by decreased self-esteem and difficulty forming relationships.
Women who struggle with alcohol addiction may also find that their sense of identity is weakened, as they can become dependent on the substance to cope with life’s problems or gain social acceptance. This can result in feelings of isolation, shame, and guilt. Women may also experience cognitive impairments, such as memory loss and impaired judgment, and physical effects, such as nausea, headaches, and weight fluctuations.
Alcohol addiction can also lead to dangerous behaviors. Women struggling with addiction are more likely to engage in unprotected sex and other high-risk activities. These behaviors can lead to further health complications and worsen an already serious addiction problem.
It’s important to remember that no matter how severe the addiction is, help is available. Women struggling with alcohol addiction should seek support from friends and family members. This is in conjunction with seeking professional help from addiction counselors and therapists. Women can reclaim their health and well-being by addressing the issue and getting treatment.
Finding Refuge in Treatment
When it comes to treating alcohol addiction, there is a dire need for women-focused treatment plans. Women’s physical, psychological, and social challenges in recovery differ from those of men. This means that they require specialized treatment that addresses their unique needs. In addition, many women find it beneficial to attend support groups with other women going through similar experiences. These groups provide a safe environment for women to share their struggles, connect with peers, and find support.
At First Steps Recovery, we recognize the importance of individualized care when treating addiction in women. Every woman’s experience with addiction is unique, and her treatment plan should be tailored to her specific needs and goals. By providing women with a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their individual needs, we help them achieve long-term sobriety and improved quality of life. We offer gender-specific groups and programs and foster a safe, supportive community of like-minded people. We want to be there for you to help free you from the stubborn grip of addiction.
The thought “I can’t change” is one of the biggest deceptions of addiction. If you or a loved one is battling substance misuse, First Steps Recovery is committed to giving you or your loved one the best care possible. We think you can recover no matter how long or severely you have battled substance abuse. Please call our recovery facility if you believe you are struggling with addiction. We have personnel and doctors on-site to assist you with detox, inpatient treatment, holistic therapies, and further steps. We know what it’s like to require assistance. We can help you feel safe and assist you in securing a healthy future. For additional information, call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.
The thought “I can’t change” is one of the biggest deceptions of addiction. If you or a loved one is battling substance misuse, First Steps Recovery is committed to giving you or your loved one the best care possible. We think you can recover no matter how long or severely you have battled substance abuse. Please call our recovery facility if you believe you are struggling with addiction. We have personnel and doctors on-site to assist you with detox, inpatient treatment, holistic therapies, and further steps. We know what it’s like to require assistance. We can help you feel safe and assist you in securing a healthy future. For additional information, call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.
