Understanding the effects of alcohol on women is imperative if you or a female loved one is abusing alcohol and at risk of seriously harming themselves. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a treatable condition where women can escape their triggers and cravings and focus on healing. AUD treatment involves top therapeutic methodologies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to ease addiction withdrawals, cravings, and other symptoms.
The Right Step supports women who are struggling with an AUD and want help in overcoming the addiction safely. Our substance abuse treatment programs are entirely customizable to fit your needs. We’ll run a complete health assessment to determine the best way to treat all symptoms. Through both group and individual therapy sessions, you’ll develop effective coping strategies to manage cravings and overcome triggers, helping to prevent relapse and support lasting recovery.
Understanding the effects of alcohol on women
Alcohol is as much a part of American society as apple pie and baseball. It is a legal substance that nearly everyone will try at least once in their lifetime.
What are the common effects of drinking alcohol?
It can cause relaxation and euphoria, and several other symptoms that include:
- Slurred speech
- Impaired judgment
- Slowed reflexes
- Blurry vision
- Reduced inhibitions
Women who drink are affected differently from men due to their physiological differences. This is caused by women having higher body fat percentages and retaining less water, which can affect how they absorb alcohol. Why are women affected differently from men?
Women only produce a certain amount of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). This enzyme helps break down alcohol in the stomach before it enters the bloodstream. This means that women will have more alcohol enter the bloodstream and cause them to have higher blood alcohol content levels (BAC) for much longer.
How does drinking alcohol affect women?
Women often struggle with depression and anxiety and will turn to alcohol to cope. They will drink to deal with negative emotions and when they have problems in their relationships. This type of self-medication will only lead to a serious addiction if they don’t seek help right away. Other consequences of the effects of alcohol on women include:
- Women are more likely to develop a dependence on alcohol more quickly than men
- Women are at more risk of physical harm from abusing alcohol, such as liver damage and heart disease
- Women are more likely to use alcohol as a coping mechanism for depression and anxiety
- Women face more social pressure to fit in and may drink to feel included
A women’s rehab program supports women who are trying to quit drinking. Healthcare professionals can create a comprehensive program that includes medication to ease withdrawals and cravings, behavioral therapy, and holistic therapy, such as mindfulness practices, adventure therapy, and equine therapy.
Recognizing the long-term effects of alcohol abuse on women
Long-term health effects of alcohol abuse on women can be terrible for them in many different ways. It can damage vital organs, increase the risk of cancer, weaken the immune system, and leave them open to other damaging conditions.
Long-term physical health effects
Alcohol abuse can hurt the body and can lead to liver disease, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. It can cause reproductive issues that can cause problems with your menstrual cycles and lead to early menopause. Alcohol use disorder blocks the absorption of certain minerals and can lead to bone density loss, causing osteoporosis or weakening the bones.
Your immune system will be affected as well. This can cause several serious infections and make you more susceptible to diseases. A weakened immune system can also cause:
- Delayed wound healing
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues
AUD can also lead to delirium tremens (DTs), a withdrawal symptom of abusing alcohol that is often fatal. Symptoms include shaking, confusion, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, fever, and hallucinations.
Long-term psychological health effects
If you abuse alcohol for an extended period, it can cause some serious psychological problems that can become permanent. The long-term effects of alcohol include memory loss and dementia. It can also cause your brain to shrink, especially in the frontal lobe section, affecting your decision-making abilities and impulse control.
Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to certain mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. These co-occurring conditions are more complex to treat and will require extensive therapy.
Women who abuse alcohol will experience problems in their relationships, which can often lead to frayed relationships and divorce, which can adversely affect any children.
Enroll in a substance abuse treatment program at The Right Step today
The Right Step welcomes people struggling with alcohol use disorder and seeking to make a positive change. Our programs use the top therapeutic methods for treating addiction, including inpatient and outpatient care and aftercare programs. We will develop a comprehensive treatment program based on your symptoms and help you learn new ways to manage your cravings and triggers.
For more information on the effects of alcohol on women, fill out our online form or call 17135283709 today to schedule a consultation at one of our treatment centers.
