Drinking has long been a part of American culture. From national holidays to birthdays, funerals, and everything in between, alcohol is a significant part of most people’s special events and socializing. Marketing research indicates that alcohol companies spend over $1.5 billion in advertising annually. In recent years, social media has been flooded with “Wine Mom Culture” posts, memes, and merchandising, which has led to more research on how women are consuming alcohol and what the effects are.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that, while men still have higher rates of alcohol use disorder (AUD) than women, alcohol abuse among American women is on the rise. At Hill Country, we understand the different ways AUD impacts women and the unique challenges they face in getting treatment. Our women’s rehab program addresses these issues by offering gender-specific AUD treatment in a safe, supportive, home-like environment.
If you’re a woman struggling with alcohol use, we can help. We provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient programs to accommodate all. Call 1.844.675.1628 to learn more about your treatment options.
What’s Significant About Alcohol Abuse in Women?
Biological differences, including body composition, metabolism, and hormones, mean that the effects of alcohol are more pronounced and happen more quickly in women, even when they drink the same amount as men. Additionally, since alcohol is water-soluble and women tend to have less water in their bodies than men, alcohol becomes more concentrated in women’s bloodstream. This leads to high levels of intoxication reached quickly. And, because women also have lower levels of the enzymes that break down alcohol in the liver and stomach, it can linger longer in their system.
The following are other ways that AUD impacts women differently:
- Fertility and pregnancy risks – Excessive drinking disrupts menstrual cycles and reduces fertility. Drinking while pregnant increases the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), stillbirths, and miscarriages.
- Physical health risks – Long-term or heavy drinking contributes to higher risks of breast cancer, liver disease, heart disease, and poor bone health, leading to osteoporosis and bone fractures.
- Mental health and cognitive risks – Women are more susceptible to alcohol-related anxiety, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, cognitive decline, and brain shrinkage.
- Drinking patterns – Women typically start relying on alcohol later in life but progress to AUD faster than men, a phenomenon referred to as “telescoping.”
- Risk of injury and violence – Women are more susceptible to domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse while under the influence of alcohol.
Women are more prone to relying on alcohol to cope with stress, depression, anxiety, and trauma, including past or current physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Because they are looked upon as the primary caregivers in families, women have traditionally hidden or downplayed their drinking more than men. However, “Wine Mom Culture” has romanticized and normalized unhealthy drinking, which has likely contributed to the rise in AUD among women.
The Need for Gender-Specific Rehab for Women
Women, particularly mothers, encounter significantly higher rates of social stigma related to AUD. The fear of judgment and the threat of losing custody of their children are glaring barriers to seeking treatment. Some women also find themselves taking care of both children and older family members, which creates new complexities and family stress.
Women struggling with AUD are often the victims of past or present trauma, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, or can have co-occurring disorders, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Eating disorders
- Self-harm or injurious behaviors
- Post-partum depression
- Suicidal ideation
A women’s rehab program can provide a safe space to open up about gender-specific experiences and offer support, education, and prenatal care for pregnant women struggling with AUD.
Talk to an Admissions Advisor About Women’s Rehab at Hill Country Today
At Hill Country, we know there are a myriad of challenges facing women today and that you don’t need AUD weighing you down. We can help you break free from addiction by offering a range of gender-specific treatment options to meet your needs, including inpatient and outpatient programs. Do not let fear, shame, or stigma hold you back from the life you deserve. Call 1.844.675.1628 to talk with an admissions advisor who can get you started on your path to recovery today. You can also reach out by completing the online form.