Addiction to alcohol, also known as alcoholism, is a problem for women all over the world. Women are more prone to alcohol addiction for biological as well as psychologican reasons. Alcohol abuse is dangerous and can cause a lifelong set of problems.
Drinking often starts at an early age for most women, some who drink at very young ages while others develop a drinking problem during college years, where it’s considered “acceptable”. Binge drinking, however, can cause a lot of problems no matter who you are or what your life was like before.
Many women who seek recovery from addiction describe blackouts, unwanted sexual behavior, drinking and driving and getting sick from too much alcohol. Some people will drink enough to hurt their living, kidney or heart function. While these things happen silently, most women know that their addictive drinking is giving them problems. Hangovers, legal trouble, and blackouts are often a part of an alcoholic lifestyle.
Why Do Women Drink?
Women drink for the same reasons men drink, but there are some issues that can be specific to women. Women tend to drink because they like the feeling it gives them. Alcohol can drown out stress, anxiety, and other negative feelings but at a terrible cost. Alcoholism is expensive, dangerous, and stressful itself.
Women may not care as much about impressing others with binge drinking, but may pride themselves for “keeping up” with their drinking friends. Most often, women begin drinking to relax, “let loose” and help make their everyday stress disappear. It can quickly become a habit as you begin to develop a tolerance for alcohol, requiring more of the same drinks to get a similar effect.
Many women who are addicted to alcohol “blackout” and don’t remember the night of drinking. They may do things (or, have things done to them) that make them feel ashamed and powerless.
Women who use drugs often use other substances such as benzos, cocaine, or opiods. Mixing drugs with alcohol can be dangerous and even deadly, because alcohol already slows your breathing when you’re drunk. When mixed with drugs that have a sedative effect, alcohol contributes to an overdose.
Trauma and Addiction
Women are more likely to drink if they have experienced trauma, such as childhood sexual abuse or domestic violence.
Women who have experienced trauma during their formative years are five times as likely to abuse alcohol or drugs. Many have undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder and continue to use substances to cope with symptoms. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, an exaggerated starle response and a sense of “numbness” in certain situations. Some women self-harm in addition to using alcohol or drugs.
Recovery is Available and Possible!
Addiction is a serious disorder that deserves treatment. Whether you’re a binge drinker or an everyday drinker doesn’t matter; if you’re tired of feeling sick and tired, and you want help, it’s available. We offer trauma-informed care and have experience working with co-occuring disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression. We offer a safe place for you to get clean and sober, in a caring environment that wants to meet your individual needs.
Everyone deserve a chance at a new way of life. Please give yourself that chance! We are happy to answer any questions you have at 1-800-970-8774.
