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Influencing Factors of the Woman Alcoholic?

© Mignon Quintyne

Alcoholism is clinically defined as a chronic disease resulting from genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors. The disease is progressive and oftentimes fatal, and persons with this disease typically exhibit a continuous or periodic preoccupation with alcohol.

Alcoholism affects 10,000,000 adults and 450,000 children. Of the adult alcoholics, it is believed that women make up about 4,000,000. Although as a society, we have been studying alcoholism for a number of years, the study of the woman alcoholic is relatively new.

The problems faced by men and women are basically the same but the attitudes of men and women towards these same problems are different. As well, the factors influencing a woman to drink are different from those influencing a man.

While generally accepted by researchers that alcoholism is genetically influenced, it is important to bear in mind that there are other influencing factors, especially for women. There are a number of reasons that many women alcoholics drink. A few are listed below.

Physical, Sexual or Emotional Abuse

Inability to Express Anger

Feelings of Inadequacy

Sexual Dysfunction

Lack of Self-identity

Emotional Reasons

Coping Mechanism

Low Self-esteem

Need for Love

Depression

Lonliness

Boredom

Stress

Work

Women are expected to act, dress and generally maintain themselves in a "ladylike" manner at all times. We are expected to cook, clean, nurture, entertain, teach, etc., yet we are not taught adequate coping skills to handle the stresses of our days. We are generally more sensitive to the wants and emotions of others, but do not take the time out to take care of ourselves.

When a woman becomes an alcoholic, she is seen as a disappointment and is generally shunned by her friends and her family. Many opportunities are no longer open to her and she drowns herself in depression and shame. Many women alcoholics do not seek help because of economic or childcare reason, however, women are unbelievably resilient and are capable of taking charge of their lives. What we need is an increased awareness of the prevalence of this problem and an increased number of treatment facilities and recovery programs for women. A woman can do anything she puts her mind to, all it takes is an opportunity, knowledge, the means and support.

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