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Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in Women – Understanding the Risks and Getting Help

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances globally. However, excessive alcohol use can have negative health risks and harmful consequences, especially for women. Women are generally more susceptible to the effects of alcohol than men because of their unique physiological and hormonal variables.

Despite drinking less frequently and in smaller amounts than men, women still face higher risks of developing alcohol-related health problems. This blog post will explore alcohol abuse and alcoholism in women, as well as how they can get the help they need to recover.

Alcohol Use Disorder in Women

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition that affects millions of Americans every year. Women who suffer from AUD experience social, psychological, and physical effects at different stages of their lives. Prolonged alcohol use can lead to alcohol dependence, a severe form of AUD that results in dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Women with AUD are more likely to develop liver disease, breast cancer, stroke, and heart-related problems. They are also more likely to experience trauma, violence, and sexual assault than others.

Increased Risks of Drinking

Women are more susceptible than men to the effects of alcohol because they have a higher concentration of alcohol in their bloodstream. Women absorb more alcohol and metabolize it at a slower rate, which leads to higher rates of intoxication. Women also develop alcohol-related problems at lower levels of drinking compared to men. Studies show that women who consume eight to ten drinks a week are at a higher risk of developing AUD, and those who consume twelve or more drinks a week are at significant risk of health problems.

Barriers to Seeking Treatment

Women are less likely than men to seek treatment for alcohol use disorder due to various reasons. Shame, stigma, lack of awareness about available treatment options, and fear of losing custody of children can all discourage women from seeking help. As a result, women who suffer from AUD are more likely to experience negative outcomes like loss of employment, family problems, and financial difficulties. Training healthcare providers to identify and treat AUD in women is key to overcoming these barriers.

Getting Help

There are several effective treatment options available to women suffering from AUD. Treatment usually begins with a medically supervised detoxification process to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Then, women can participate in individual and group therapy sessions and other support programs to assist with recovery. Once a woman has gone through treatment, aftercare support can help her maintain her sobriety and prevent relapse.

Alcohol Rehab in Chattanooga

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can have severe consequences on women’s health. Due to their unique physiological and hormonal differences, women are more susceptible to the harmful effects of alcohol than men. Seeking effective treatment options can help women overcome AUD and minimize the harm caused by excessive alcohol use.

At Chattanooga Recovery Center, we offer specialized treatment and support programs to help women struggling with AUD. Our services include detoxification, individual and group therapy, family support, and aftercare programs. We are committed to helping women overcome their alcohol addiction and regain their health and happiness.

Don’t suffer alone. Contact us today at (423) 226-5331 or visit our website to get the help you need and deserve.

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