According to the CDC, about 9% of women in 2020 struggled with an alcohol use disorder. Struggling with alcoholism, or a substance use disorder, can significantly interfere with your health and quality of life. Although millions of men and women struggle with alcoholism, there’s no question that alcohol abuse affects men and women differently. Not to mention, some signs of alcoholism in women may differ from men.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the different signs of alcohol abuse in women. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, help is available. At Hammocks on the Edisto, we are a premier women’s treatment center in South Carolina that offers tailored treatment plans for women struggling with a substance use disorder. We offer a range of high-quality addiction treatment programs for women to safely and effectively overcome addiction and take back control over their lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you break free of addiction for good.
How Alcoholism Effects Men Vs Women
Alcoholism negatively affects the lives of millions of men and women. Although more men struggle with alcoholism, women oftentimes suffer a greater risk of physical harm and damage from alcoholism. There’s no denying that alcoholism affects men vs women in different ways.
Biologically, women are physically smaller than men and thus require less alcohol to experience to drink to excess. Plus, the reasons why men vs women abuse alcohol oftentimes differ. Women oftentimes abuse alcohol (and other substances) more to cope with trauma or a mental health-related concern. Meanwhile, men more often abuse alcohol (and other substances) out of peer pressure and to “fit in” with peers.
Therefore, because men and women typically abuse alcohol for different reasons, inevitably, there are differences among men and women when it comes to overcoming and recovering from alcoholism.
Common Signs of Alcoholism in Women
If you suspect someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, here are some common signs of alcoholism in women to look out for.
Unable To Control How Much Alcohol You Consume
A woman struggling with alcoholism will be unable to limit or control the amount of alcohol she drinks, regardless if she is making a conscious effort to cut down on their alcohol consumption.
Intense Cravings to Drink
If a woman experiences intense cravings to drink and becomes restless or anxious when they are not drinking, these are more signs of women’s alcohol addiction.
Neglecting Responsibilities to Drink
If a woman neglects responsibilities due to excessive drinking, such as missing out on work or experiencing a decline in their work performance, not maintaining household chores, or fracturing relationships with loved ones, these are more signs of alcoholism in women.
Excessively Drinking, Regardless of the Consequences
When you understand that drinking will result in negative outcomes, yet you drink anyways.
Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms When You Don’t Drink
If you experience any withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, irritability, or an intense craving to drink when you’re not drinking.
Experiencing Menstruation Issues
Women who struggle with alcoholism oftentimes have a higher likelihood of struggling with menstruation issues.
Negative Facial Changes
Oftentimes, when you drink to excess, you’ll visibly look older and more tired, thus negatively impacting your physical appearance.
Hiding Or Being In Denial About Their Drinking Problem
If a woman tries to hide the fact she drinks frequently and in excess, or if she seems to be in denial about her drinking problem.
Fractured Relationships Because Of Their Drinking
Alcoholism can also fracture relationships with friends and loved ones.
Practicing Irresponsible Behavior (i.e., Driving Under the Influence)
Alcoholism can cause some women to practice irresponsible behavior that may put themselves or others at risk.
Comprehensive Women’s Treatment Center in South Carolina
Now you know more about the signs of alcoholism in women to look out for. While the list above is not nearly all the potential signs you may observe, many are common among women (and some men too) struggling with alcoholism.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, you don’t have to fight your addiction alone. Hammocks on the Edisto is a women’s addiction treatment center in South Carolina that offers one-of-a-kind care to regain control over your life. From overcoming addiction to maintaining a long-term life of sobriety, we help women live happier, healthier lives. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your road to recovery.
