For centuries, it has been common – at least in Western cultures – for people to turn to alcohol as a means of relaxation. As a depressant, alcohol can be seen as the ideal solution to help relieve stress and tension. For many, heading out for something to drink after a long week at work can be just the panacea needed to find a sense of peace and calm. As we all know, though, alcohol is not for everyone.
For many, it might be cultural; others do not drink alcohol because of the inherent risks that come from its consumption. Particularly if used as a daily habit, alcohol can become a dangerous excess. Groups like Akasha Recovery support those caught in the grips of alcoholism. Those looking to rehabilitate and move on from alcohol can find help through groups like Akasha.
However, through years of research and study, we have come to realize that alcoholism does not impact each person the same. Research, too, has helped to show that it might be important to consider gender disparities when it comes to alcoholism. Like most addictions, alcoholism impacts males and females differently.
Understanding this is one of the most important aspects of finding treatment and support at the right time. From spotting the signs of alcoholism to understanding the need for gender-specific therapies, we must familiarize ourselves with the next steps.
Women and alcoholism: are there gender-specific factors at play?
For years, it was assumed that alcoholism impacted males the same as it would females. Thanks to research from various groups, though, including the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, there are noted differences in how females and males deal with alcohol.
Yes, both genders are equally impacted by damage done to our brains, livers, hearts, and general well-being.
However, the way it affects women can be quite different. Alcohol misuse in women can lead to addictive behaviors, but it can also lead to some pretty significant risks of conditions, as noted by the American Addiction Centers group. These can include problems such as:
- Heart problems, including muscle damage and heart disease
- Memory problems, especially in comparison to male counterparts
- Liver conditions, including the risk of developing conditions like cirrhosis
- Fertility problems, as alcohol can lead to inconsistent menstrual cycles
This is just a small collection of health problems that can be caused by excessive alcohol intake. Studies have begun to show that women are more likely to suffer from these conditions quicker and suffer from them at a more severe level.
One of the most commonly associated issues with alcoholism is a tendency to ‘black out’ and lose significant chunks of your memory. It has been found that women are more likely to black out than men through alcohol consumption. This can naturally put individuals in a dangerous position in terms of making regrettable decisions or acting in a way that is inconsistent with their personality.
Alcohol can be more likely to set off negative mental health episodes, such as feelings of anxiety and/or depression. Therefore, most of the negative impacts of alcohol consumption are more likely to be felt by females. They will also be felt at a higher, more serious level than most males.
Do we need to consider gender-specific factors when treating women for alcoholism?
The problem has become recognized enough that groups such as Scientific American have called for the need for gender-specific treatment programs.
Many stigmas become attached to women with alcoholism that might impact their future negatively. While it is seen as more likely for males to become alcoholics, statistically, at least, the damage done to females can be more severe. Women might be less likely to seek treatment as they might not be financially independent of their partners. They might also worry about the stigma of being a female alcoholic. Despite rising numbers of cases, many females still see it as stigmatic.
One of the most simplistic but important factors as to why females might be impacted by alcohol abuse more than males comes down to size. On average, a female will weigh less than a man. Seen as alcohol and body water have a huge connection, women will have less water in their bodies than males.
As such, the blood alcohol concentration level in a female is likely to be higher, thus increasing the risk of harm. Women need to drink less to feel the same impact as a male.
Other issues that can arise that are more female-specific revolve around pregnancy. Treatment must focus on these issues. For example, women who are pregnant yet are also alcoholics run the risk of causing damage to their unborn child. Prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to significant issues for children, including the risk of fetal alcohol disorders.
Drinking during pregnancy can also cause complications during childbirth. As such, female alcoholics need to understand that their drinking could impact both their fertility and the health of their soon-to-be-born child.
There is also a growing association between alcoholism and breast cancer. Studies have found that women who consume even one drink per day increase their chance of developing breast cancer by as much as 5% – if not higher. For each additional drink had per day, the increased risk of breast cancer continues.
Do not delay: seek help for alcoholism
So, there are clearly differences between the male and female bodies regarding alcoholism. How quickly they become dependent and the impact it has on their bodies are quite different from one another. As such, females who worry they might be en route to becoming alcoholics must seek help and support ASAP.
Are you looking for assistance in finding treatment for alcoholism? Then you can receive support and advice on what to do next. Whether male or female, the Akasha Recovery group can provide you with the help and support you need to turn your life around.
Whether you fear you already have an alcohol dependency or wish to stop the issue before it worsens, you can receive assistance to help you solve this problem before it begins.