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Women and Alcoholism
The incidence of women who die of alcohol-related deaths such as motor vehicle crashes, accidents, and suicide is double that of their male counterparts who are alcohol dependent. Women are also more susceptible to illnesses included heart-related problems, liver disease and brain damage. Heavy drinking also fosters menstrual problems, infertility, early menopause, and problems with bone health. Moreover, chronic alcohol consumption at heavy levels puts women at greater risk of exposing themselves to sexual assault and other violence. With intoxication, people are more likely to have unprotected sex and expose themselves to sexually transmitted diseases. Different Effects Compared to Men Body makeup and chemistry are the reasons why chronic drinking affects women differently than men. Since a woman’s body has less water and a higher concentration of fat than a typical man, alcohol is less diluted and reaches the bloodstream faster than with men. This allows women to more quickly feel the effects of the alcohol at greater levels of intoxication. In addition, women may become more easily intoxicated during their menstrual cycle. Pregnancy and Alcohol When a pregnant woman consumes alcohol in any quantity, it is passed to the fetus through the bloodstream and inhibits the development of the unborn child. Women who are pregnant or who are trying to conceive should avoid all alcohol or risk harming the fetus. Unborn children exposed to alcohol in vitro may experience irreversible physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities they will live with for the rest of their lives. In addition, women who are nursing must avoid alcohol because it can pass through breast milk to the baby. Women should always evaluate the consequences of drinking and the impact consumption will have on their bodies, as well as those of their unborn children. For resources that address women and alcoholism, click here for a list of information and support organizations. Women and Alcoholism Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Effects of Alcohol on Women,” Publication No. (SMA) 06–4244, Printed 2007, http://www.fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/documents/WYNK_Effects_Women.pdf ResourceOrchid Recovery CenterIf you or someone you know needs help and are looking for womens alcohol rehab or womens drug rehab, Orchid Recovery Center can help. Related Information
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