Alcohol and Women: Alcoholism and Other Effects

Alcohol usage in women has steadily risen over the last century. Women are under great pressure because of work, family life, and other stressors; which for them, having a drink may act as a release of this pressure. They have taken on greater responsibilities and at the end of the day, some may unwind with alcohol.

Alcohol Affects a Woman Differently Than a Man

The consumption of alcohol in women greatly varies from men. Women become intoxicated more quickly than men, and studies are showing that they are more at risk for developing alcohol related diseases. The heavy in-taking of alcohol is much more risky for women than men.

Keep in mind that the dietary guideline for the intake of alcohol is one standard drink a day for a woman and two for a man. A standard drink is one 12 ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5 ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounce of 80 proof spirits. It should be remembered that the amount of alcohol varies from type and brand.

Size to Consider

Most women are smaller and weigh less than most men; therefore, since there is less blood to dilute the alcohol, they become intoxicated much quicker.

Fewer Enzymes

Women also produce fewer enzymes in their stomach; these enzymes help to break down the alcohol. Since there are fewer enzymes, more potent or pure alcohol (ethanol) is absorbed. Once it is absorbed into the blood, it goes to the brain.

Fat Content

The alcohol in a woman’s body is able to last longer because; women have a higher fat content. Women also have estrogen. Estrogen increases the absorption of alcohol. A woman’s estrogen levels peak 2 weeks before her period. During this peak, alcohol is easier and more quickly absorbed.

Contributing Factors to Alcoholism

Statistics show that there are at least 5 million women in the USA alone that suffer from alcoholism. Alcoholism is a disease, and normally there are other contributing factors.

The way alcohol is processed

Studies are showing that women can become an alcoholic easier than men. This is most likely because a woman’s body processes alcohol differently than a man’s body. More alcohol goes into the woman’s blood stream; therefore, she becomes intoxicated quicker.

Hormonal Differences

Women who are in the beginning stages of menopause or going through other drastic hormonal changes are more at risk for addiction. While a woman’s body is changing, there is a great deal of emotions; including, stress. These emotions can be very severe and can lead to alcoholism.

Self Medication

Women more than men, often suffer from depression and other emotional problems. Sometimes low self esteem may be a cause for these problems. A woman may turn to alcohol as a way to offset these negatives feelings and addiction can easily begin.

Daily Stress and Environment

A woman may drink more heavily when they are having feelings of stress or their environment is causing them to have anxiety, self- doubt, or insecurities. This can feelings and emotions can cause even more stress. Not all women who are experiencing these problems will become an alcoholic, but some will become dependent upon alcohol.

Genetic Factors

As in men, women who have a family history of alcoholism have a higher chance of becoming addicted than if they do not have a family history of alcoholism.

Extra Stressors in a Woman’s Life

The following are additional reasons that may cause stress and can be a cause for addiction in women.

Abuse

Women who were sexually, physically or emotionally abused as a child or in their adulthood may turn to any substance to help them deal with any emotions and problems that arise.

Other People

Women who have a partner, or close family member or friend that suffers from alcoholism, may put them at a higher risk for also developing an addiction.

Loss

If a woman has lost someone or something very close to them (death, relationship, job, etc.) they may use alcohol to cope with the grief.

Discrimination

Women of a minority group may drink to eliminate the stress of discrimination in their daily lives. Alcoholism is becoming a serious concern within the lesbian community; one of the main reasons given, is discrimination.

Alcohol Related Consequences and Health Problems for a Woman

Although men drink more statistically, women equally or even surpass men when it comes to alcohol related problems. These problems include: suicide, car accidents, cirrhosis, and heart disease.

Premature Menopause

Alcoholism can cause premature menopause in a woman. During this time, if a woman drinks heavily, menopause can be shortened up to 5 years. Over this period, hot flashes and drowsiness may be more intense and occur more frequently.

Cancer

Studies are showing that women who are heavy drinkers, or suffer from alcoholism have a 50% greater chance of developing breast cancer after menopause.

Loss of Calcium

Menopausal women tend to lose calcium easier. Alcohol increases the loss of calcium in the body; as a result, osteoporosis may occur.

Liver

Women eliminate alcohol from the blood quicker than men; therefore, a woman’s liver is put through extra strain. Over time this can cause long term liver damage.

Brain

Alcoholism causes brain shrinkage in men and women. However, studies conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) have shown brain shrinkage appears to happen more quickly in women.

Additional Health Risks

Heart disease, reproductive problems, and memory loss can be associated with heavy drinking and alcoholism in women. All in all, studies have shown that the risk of women developing health problems related to alcoholism is much higher than men.

Suicide

Research by the National NIAAA has shown that women who suffer from alcoholism are five times more likely to attempt suicide than women who do not drink.

Alcohol Related Accidents

Statistics show that the number of alcohol related car accidents are increasing each year. According to studies done by the NIAAA a woman who weighs 140lbs may put herself in danger behind the wheel by only having one drink on an empty stomach; this can be deadly.

Pregnancy

A woman that is pregnant and consumes alcohol puts the fetus at a great risk for developing health problems; such as, fetal alcohol syndrome.

Treatment is Available

There is no doubt that a woman that has an addiction to alcohol can suffer serious health consequences. The great news is that many women who suffer from alcoholism have gotten the right treatment to heal their addiction. If you or someone you know has an addiction to alcohol, contact The Cabin Chiang Mai today.

“It is estimated that of the 15.1 million alcohol-abusing or alcohol-dependent individuals in the United States, approximately 4.6 million (nearly one-third) are women.”
Alcohol Health & Research World