Alcohol abuse is not a man’s disease. Over five million women in America are considered to be heavy drinkers whose alcohol consumption habits are life-threating. Are you a woman who is concerned about how much you’re drinking, or are you worried that a woman in your life could be struggling with alcohol addiction? Here are the facts you need to know:
Alcohol Abuse
More than one drink per day is considered to be too much for a woman. This amount is lower than the threshold for men because alcohol affects women differently. Women usually have less water in their bodies to dilute alcohol than men do. This leaves women more vulnerable to the short- and long-term effects of drinking, from intoxication to organ damage.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse in Women
Identifying alcohol addiction is about more than simply counting drinks. Women who are abusing alcohol are likely to exhibit other symptoms of alcohol abuse. Some of these signs include strong alcohol cravings, withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, and increased tolerance. While abusing alcohol, women may also miss work and neglect family responsibilities. Women who are addicted to alcohol will continue to drink even when it is causing tension with family and friends.
Risks of Alcohol Abuse
Women face a number of health and safety risks when abusing alcohol. Heavy drinking is linked to heart disease, liver disease, cancer, and brain disease. Women drinkers also face an increased risk of sexual violence. In pregnant women, drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a set of birth defects that cause mental impairment. Alcohol abuse may also trigger chronic depression and anxiety.
At Las Encinas Hospital in Pasadena, we can help you or your loved one overcome substance abuse by taking a comprehensive approach to care. We don’t just treat addiction—we also diagnose and treat the underlying conditions that contribute to dependency so you can have the best chance of success. Information about our substance abuse treatment center is just a phone call away. Call (888) 348-2165 to find out more.
