The gender gap in drinking habits is more or less gone. Women are as likely as men to consume alcohol, binge drink, or have an alcohol use disorder (AUD). The social norms connected to women’s drinking are shifting so that it has become more acceptable and even encouraged. And yet, women tend to experience the effects of alcohol more quickly and at lower consumption rates than men. This factor makes them more susceptible to alcohol addiction. Alcohol abuse in women does not always appear the same as it does in men. How do you know if you or someone you love is struggling with an AUD?
To learn about the signs of alcoholism in women, reach out to Painted Desert Recovery. Alcohol addiction treatment in women has an approach that shares a common goal with all alcohol treatment. Still, it suits the psychological, physical, and social factors unique to women. Reach out to Painted Desert today to ask questions about alcohol addiction signs in women and how to access the care you need and deserve. Call 844.540.0357 or use our online form.
Alcohol Abuse in Women
Women are drinking more. They are as likely to binge drink as men, though binging was once erroneously considered the purview of men. Drinking to cope with their intense and often conflicting demands gives women a temporary escape but often a more permanent problem. However, though addiction is a chronic disease, it can be managed through life in recovery.
What is alcoholism in women? It is a disease that can have far-reaching consequences on health, well-being, relationships, career, and longevity. Because alcohol addiction can lead to other serious problems, the time to consider women’s rehab is now. But how do you know if you are an alcoholic or just a drinker?
Signs of Alcoholism in Women
There are symptoms and signs of alcoholism that are somewhat unique to women. Five of those tell-tale red flags are listed here:
- Drinking through a health crisis – A classic sign of an alcohol use disorder is to continue drinking despite adverse effects. This has a special meaning for women, as their bodies tend to experience greater negative effects from drinking than their male counterparts, even if they consume less alcohol. If you are struggling with mental or physical health challenges, such as depression or anxiety, hypertension, diabetes, or other diagnoses linked to alcohol, and yet continue to drink – you may be addicted.
- Menstrual dysfunction – Heavy drinking affects a woman’s hormonal balance, fertility, and menses. Women alcoholics may stop getting their periods or even experience premature menopause. Alcohol consumption can also increase the severity of menstrual symptoms, including mood swings and cramping. If your periods started to go out of whack as your drinking increased, consider that your alcohol use may have become abuse.
- Risky behaviors – Women, on average, are more likely to be cautious when putting themselves or others in danger. This may relate to a combination of genetics and social programming that make women responsible for the protection of the young of the species as they grow into adulthood. If you are a woman prone to being responsible and careful who has driven to pick up your child from camp or school after a few drinks or made other judgment calls that affect your safety and that of other people despite your being under the influence, realize that these risks may reveal an addiction.
- Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) – Hiding the signs of drinking is a sign of addiction in everyone. It should be no surprise that being pregnant does not end alcohol addiction and that a woman can hide her drinking throughout her pregnancy. In many cases, the first clue that there is a serious alcohol problem is the newborn’s condition. If a baby is born with FAS, there are clear signs such as altered facial features, developmental delays, difficulty learning, and more. If possible, it is better to learn the truth about your addiction and seek help before becoming pregnant.
- Alcohol-related disorders – Some disorders related to alcohol addiction happen more often in women than men. If you suspect that you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, if she has developed anemia or hypertension or is suffering from seemingly unexplained malnutrition, there is cause for concern.
Women’s Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Painted Desert Recovery
Painted Desert Recovery offers both traditional and innovative therapies in a safe setting. Our treatments are evidence-based and trauma-informed and can help women in recovery achieve positive long-term outcomes.
Let Painted Desert help you today. Call us at 844.540.0357 or use this online form to reach out. We can answer questions and put your mind at ease. You are not alone. Help is available.