Narconon Vista Bay understands that there are many factors that contribute to alcohol addiction and how much an individual will be impacted by it. In this article, we will focus on drinking amongst females and the particular risks they face from alcohol abuse.
Women and Alcohol Abuse
Overall, women are less likely than men to develop a problem with drinking. Unfortunately, for those women who do become abusive drinkers, the consequences can be much more detrimental than for men.
Women who have more responsibility, for example raising kids and working are less likely to develop problems with drinking. Women who have never married, or are divorced or separated have a higher likelihood of alcoholism.
Women face different consequences when they drink versus men. Women's bodies process alcohol differently than men's and as a result, women face unique health risks associated with consuming alcohol. Since many women drink at lest occasionally and some drink heavily, it is very important that they be made aware of the dangers posed.
Health Risks for Women who Drink
Women who drink have a higher incidence of developing liver inflammation in the form of alcoholic hepatitis. This condition is a precursor and can lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
Among heavy drinkers, women are much more likely than men to develop alcohol related heart disease.
Women who drink while pregnant not only put themselves at risk, but also the life of their unborn child. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can cause learning and behavioral problem and physical defects including abnormal facial features. Pregnant women who drink are also more susceptible to premature labor.
In general, alcohol abuse negatively affects women much more than men. Women who are dependent on alcohol have fatality rates 50 to 100 percent higher than men. Also, a larger percentage of female drinkers commit suicide, die in alcohol related accidents, suffer from circulatory disorders and develop cirrhosis of the liver.
Getting Treatment for Female Alcoholics
Unfortunately, just as with the increased health risks alcohol poses for women, fewer women are likely to seek treatment for their drinking problems. Where a large number of men are encouraged to confront their alcoholism by their wives, husbands are less likely to suggest treatment for their wives. Women often have fewer financial resources than men. Also, fewer women than men are directed to treatment through the criminal justice system or through employers. Another huge barrier for women seeking treatment is an inability to find childcare.
The good news is that for those women who completed treatment, their rates of abstinence were higher than men.
Narconon Vista Bay Rehab has experienced a high level of success with treating men and women alike. Our program uses comprehensive program phases that rehabilitate every aspect of an individual's life. We have all of our clients engage in extensive physical rehabilitation and detoxification, which can do wonders for ailments that have been sustained due to substance abuse. Additionally, we offer a number of optional courses for our clients, free of charge, that focus on specialized areas like parenting, raising kids and family. Narconon has helped to restore lives and families to countless individuals.
If you are struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction, realize that there is a solution. Counselors at Narconon Drug Treatment Centers have been treating alcoholism and addiction for two decades and we are dedicated to doing everything possible to create a world free from addiction.
For more information, contact a Registered Addiction Specialist at Narconon Vista Bay Drug Rehab today.
Sources:
- http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/womensfact/womensfact.htm
- http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/alerts/l/blnaa10.htm