Alcoholism and Women

Alcoholism is a serious problem for both men and women. However, it has been proven that alcohol affects women differently than it does men, so therefore, women need special care to overcome their addiction. The effects of alcohol on women include a wide array of medical and social problems. With many seeing women filling the traditional roles of mother and primary caregiver, it has been with great shame and guilt women alcoholics seek help. With the effects of alcohol on women being different from men it is suggested that women seek help from an alternative source such as Women for Sobriety rather than a male dominated program like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Alcoholism, not to be confused with alcohol abuse is defined as a chronic disease resulting from genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors. This disease is progressive and oftentimes fatal. Typically, persons with this disease exhibit continuous or periodic preoccupation with alcohol, use and abuse alcohol despite negative consequences, deny the existence of their problem, distorted thinking, and impaired control over drinking. Although there is no "cure" for alcoholism, persons with this disease can seek help through self-help, treatment, counseling or medical attention.

The way alcohol affects women versus its affect on men boils down to the difference in male/female biological makeup. Women do not metabolize alcohol as quickly and efficiently as men, due specifically to what's called the fat to water ratio. A woman's body has a significantly higher ratio of fat to water than men do. This simply means that when a woman has a drink, her body is less able to dilute the alcohol, which result to her having a higher concentration of alcohol in her blood and the alcohol having a greater impact.

Alcohol use as with the use of any drug involves risks. Along with impaired judgement, women alcoholics face specific health and social problems. Alcohol can damage some major organs such as the liver and heart, as well as increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. Although it has not been conclusively proven that alcohol consumption is a direct cause of breast cancer, it should be regarded as a predisposing factor. It is considered that heavy drinking in women may cause infertility. Also, some women report that while ovulating or using oral contraceptives, they are more affected by alcohol.

Women alcoholics are seen as social embarrassments and often ostracized. They loose their friends, their job, and in some cases their family. Other alcohol-related problems include anemia, hypertension, malnutrition, domestic violence, rape, acquiring AIDS or another sexually transmitted disease or even death.

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