Alcoholism and Women

It is estimated that more than 5 million American women habitually drink more alcohol than is healthy. This threat to their health and well-being is a problem of national consequence as it inevitably endangers the health of their children, their families and others with whom they come in contact. Fewer women than men drinking but those who do have a 50 percent to 100 percent higher chance of dying from alcoholism than their male counterparts. It is, in fact, widely accepted in the medical community that women suffer the consequences of heavy drinking more severely than men as it increases their chances of becoming a victim of a personal attack and more quickly and harshly damages their health.

Alcoholism and Women: Health Effects

Women can expect serious health problems due to excessive drinking. Some of these include alcoholic liver disease, heart disease, cancer and loss of mental function. The behaviors that many women indulge in while under the influence—smoking, unprotected sex, unhealthy eating, drunk driving—are also hazardous to their health. Alone, any of these behaviors can be deadly. In combination with alcoholism, women are overwhelmingly more likely to develop serious physical problems at a younger age than they would otherwise.

At Orchid Recovery Center, we are well aware of the different health issues that women face as a result of their drinking. We strive to provide our residents with education, gentle exercise, and good nutrition during treatment, healthy lifestyle changes that they can continue and take with them when they return home.

Alcoholism and Women: Every Woman is Different

Though studies show that women who drink are more likely than men to suffer adverse effects from it, each woman will manifest the effects of alcohol differently. That is to say that genetics, physical makeup (weight, height, tolerance), length and extent of addiction and co-occurring disorders like depression and eating disorders all make each woman's experience with alcohol and alcoholism different.

Orchid Recovery Center staff provide each woman who walks through the door with an individualized treatment plan designed according to her specific needs, circumstances and goals. Your therapeutic team works together with you to create this treatment plan, allowing you to choose from our wide range of treatment services and craft a plan that resonates with you and will best allow you to grow and recover from alcoholism.

Alcoholism and Women: Accepting Help, Getting Treatment

Accepting help does not come naturally or easily to women. Women are the caregivers. Even during the wildest alcoholic behavior, women are still expected to take care of lovers, children, older parents, grandchildren, co-workers, neighbors, friends... Admitting that alcohol is a problem and that it's time to get help is like admitting that you can't do it alone. You can't and, what's more, no one expects you to. Alcoholism is a problem that effects everyone around you and not until you accept help will you and take care of yourself will you truly be able to take care of others.

Orchid Recovery Center is here to provide you with the break you need to focus on yourself, recuperate and recover and return to your life and your responsibilities a stronger woman.