Women have a unique relationship with alcohol. The amount they consume is different than men, and it increases the risk of breast cancer and other illnesses unique to women. If you or a female friend are struggling with alcohol use disorder, you should learn about the effects of alcohol on women. Alcohol has symptoms and side effects that impact women differently than men, and they can benefit from enrolling in a women’s rehab program.
At The Ranch, we welcome women who are struggling with an addiction to alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamines, or other addictive substances. To see if our women’s rehab in Nashville is right for you or a loved one, call 1.844.876.7680 today to speak with a team member.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical term coined in the 1980s and describes a person’s inability to stop drinking despite any social, occupational, or medical reasons. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include:
- Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol when you drink
- Having a strong desire to quit but are unable to do so
- Having strong cravings when you are not drinking
- Having trouble keeping up with work, school, or personal responsibilities
- Continuing to drink despite any medical conditions and risks of making it worse
Addiction is a mental health concern that has a significant impact on the mind. It creates a strong dependence on alcohol to the point where they will experience withdrawal symptoms when they are not drinking. Fortunately, addiction is something that you can recover from, regardless of how long or how severe your symptoms are.
At The Ranch, our women’s rehab program supports women who are struggling with alcohol use disorder. You will work with a female therapist and your peers to understand the reasons why you drink and develop healthy coping skills to better manage your triggers and symptoms.
The Effect of Alcohol on Women
Currently, there are over 9.5 million women over the age of 18 with a substance use disorder. Understanding the effects of alcohol on women is essential if you or a loved one is abusing alcohol and is ready for a new start.
Here are some of the effects of alcohol on women:
- Heart disease – Women are more likely to develop heart disease from alcohol than men, even if they drink less.
- Liver disease – Women are more susceptible to developing liver disease, hepatitis, or cirrhosis than men.
- Brain damage – Women are more likely to develop brain damage caused by alcohol abuse. It can have a toxic effect on the central nervous system and lead to significant memory loss, a decline in cognitive ability, and brain damage.
- Reproductive issues – AUD can cause several reproductive issues in women and affect the outcome of successful pregnancies. Other effects of alcoholism on women include irregular menstrual cycles, ovulation issues, hormonal changes, and infertility.
- Osteoporosis – Women who drink are at more of a risk of developing early osteoporosis. Alcohol has a negative effect on the way women’s bones age, and it can increase the risk of this disease.
- Alcohol belly – Drinking to excess each night can cause bloating or a larger stomach, sometimes known as “alcohol belly.”
Other illnesses caused by alcohol use disorder include hypertension, stroke, delirium tremens, pancreatitis, and other serious medical conditions. If you have any of the above conditions, enrolling in a treatment program is your best option to lead a sober lifestyle.
Call Today to Find a Women’s Rehab in Nashville at Promises Recovery Ranch
The Ranch is a full-service addiction treatment center near Nashville that welcomes women with an alcohol use disorder who want to make a positive change. We have separate men’s and women’s rehab programs that utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and medication-assisted treatment to ease alcohol withdrawals and cravings.
If you or a loved one needs a women’s rehab program, call 1.844.876.7680 today or complete our online form to take that first step toward a sober life.
