The person you date likely influences the movies you watch, the restaurants you go to, and – occasionally – the clothes you wear. But did you know it could also affect how much you drink and when? A new study from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, says that is indeed the case.

For about a month, the study followed more than 200 unmarried, straight couples in their 20s who had been dating for at least three months and saw each other at least five days out of the week. They soon found that it was possible to predict one half of the couple’s binge drinking behavior based on the binge drinking choices of the other half of the couple.

Gender Differences?

Previous, similar studies that followed married couples showed that men had more of an effect on the women, but in this study, gender didn’t matter. In some cases, the women were more influential over their male partners and in others, the men were more influential over their female partners, according to researcher Aislin Mushquash.

Binge drinking in general is no longer a gender issue, either. Studies performed back in the 1980s revealed that there were five male binge drinkers for every one female binge drinker in the United States. By 2002, the numbers had changed considerably with 2.5 male binge drinkers for every female binge drinker, according to a study done by Shelly Greenfield.

Problems Associated With Increased Binge Drinking Among Women

Though binge drinking is problematic for everyone, it is even more dangerous for women to take up the habit. Typically, women’s bodies don’t process alcohol as quickly or as efficiently as men do, which is why binge drinking is defined as more than five drinks in a sitting for men but women need only drink four drinks at a time to earn the title. Women also become drunk more quickly by drinking less, are more prone to develop cirrhosis of the liver, have a more difficult time metabolizing alcohol, and are more likely to die in an alcohol-related accident, according to numerous different studies. They are also at an increased risk of being victim to an attack while under the influence.

Is Binge Drinking an Issue for You?

If you or someone you care about binge drinks regularly, don’t underestimate the difficulties that can result. Women should seek treatment immediately, and here at The Orchid, we’re here to help. Contact us today.

Nile Rodgers is not a household name, but he is the man behind a number of musical acts and performance groups that are some of the most well-known in American culture and around the world. A prominent producer in the 1970s and 1980s, Rodgers played a big part in creating the pop music that dominates the airwaves today. Working with acts including Diana Ross, David Bowie, Madonna, Grace Jones and others, Rodgers has recently written a memoir called Le Freak: An Upside Down Story of Family, Disco, and Destiny that talks about his experiences with these stars – and with drug addiction.

At 59 years old, Rodgers is a survivor of both cancer and drug addiction. He has been clean and sober for more than 17 years now and though he has no thought of relapse and fully admits that addiction takes and destroys lives, he also says that he would never tell another person not to abuse drugs.

Says Rodgers: “It’s hard for me because I’m not judgmental of other people when it comes to drugs, because to be honest with you, I loved it. I didn’t quit because I didn’t love it, I quit because it was killing me and it impaired my ability to do something that I loved even more [producing and playing music]. So I don’t really want to be a hypocrite. I would never tell a person not to do drugs, because people clean it up or they don’t. They [get help] when they’re ready to do it.”

Even close friends who are clearly struggling with drug addiction – friends like Sly Stone – do not make Rodgers feel that there is any need to intervene.

Rodgers says: “When I look at Sly, I just see the great musical genius that I absolutely love and adore. And the fact that he has chosen this path near the end of his life, and unfortunately he’s been in this situation for a long time. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen him and hung out with him and wanted to play, and unfortunately he was unable to do that, but he chose that. And I got to respect the fact that. That’s his life.”

What do you think? Is it important to take a stand and voice your concerns when you see someone you care about dying of drug addiction and/ or alcoholism? Is it your responsibility to step in or is it better to provide the addict or alcoholic with ongoing – if somewhat distanced – friendship? Leave us a comment and let us know your opinion.

The Kardashians are often in the limelight for one thing or another, but on a recent season that highlighted Kourtney Kardashian and her relationship with boyfriend, Scott Disick, addiction played a large part of the story. Disick’s behavior while under the influence of alcohol was a huge topic in the program, causing problems between him and Kourtney and even more issues for Kourtney with her sisters, Kim and Khloe.

Since the airing of the episodes showing his violent temper while under the influence, Disick promised to get himself under control. While it was assumed that that meant getting the help he needed to quit drinking, it appears that Disick had something else in mind. He says now that he has not remained sober despite his promises.

Disick told girlfriend, Kourtney, that he “didn’t lie, but I kind of kept some of the truth from you about that time when I went with all the boys to Vegas.”

He went on to say: “I didn’t get out of control. It’s nothing crazy, but sitting here in Tahiti makes me think I wouldn’t mind having a drink or two because I believe that I’m in a place that I could have a drink or two responsibly and not get crazy.”

Broken Promises

Kourtney didn’t necessarily agree with his assessment of the situation or his belief that he doesn’t have to keep his promise of sobriety. She said: “I just don’t know how I feel about that. It’s hard for me to trust you because of everything’s that gone on, and I don’t want it to get back to that place.”

Kourtney Kardashian is not the first to suffer an abusive temper at the hands of a loved one – or to let it go when they promise to get sober after an inexcusable incident and ultimately break that promise with rationalizations. It puts the family member in an awkward position, waiting for the inevitable explosion that comes as alcohol and drug abuse that is “under control” eventually escalates to its former levels with all the same consequences – but still wanting to believe that it’s possible for their loved one to live a life characterized by a normal relationship with alcohol.

Dealing with a Loved One Who Promises Sobriety… And Doesn’t Deliver

One of the best ways to deal with a loved one who cannot control their alcohol and drug abuse is to set boundaries. What those boundaries consist of will vary according to your comfort level and goals for your life – not your hopes for your relationship, but your needs based on the reality of your loved one’s alcohol and drug issues. Therapy and 12-step groups for family members of alcoholics can help you to create boundaries and maintain them, allowing you to provide positive support for your loved one without getting hurt.

Any advice for Kourtney? How would you handle her situation?

Women who abuse drugs and alcohol or live a life that focuses on the maintenance of an addiction are more likely than their sober counterparts to be victims of assault, rape, or other violent act. Recently, one woman in San Francisco experienced this phenomenon firsthand: a 23-year-old woman was using drugs with a 46-year-old male when he hit her with the butt of a gun then stuck the barrel of the gun in her mouth. He did not shoot her, but before leaving, he slashed her face and her hands with a knife. She is in stable condition but as of yet, her attacker has not been caught.

Is this a rare occurrence? Hardly. Women in recovery routinely report that they were raped, attacked or abused during their active addiction and usually by people they knew and were using drugs with.

Dealing with Assault and Abuse During Drug Rehab

It’s not just an option for women who have experienced trauma during active addiction; it’s practically a necessity for recovery. Dealing with the feelings that come along with being a victim of assault and abuse are a crucial part of recovery. Women who are not active alcoholics or drug addicts often lean heavily upon illicit substances as they attempt to heal from serious violence and sexual trauma – when addiction is already an issue, it can cement the addiction and postpone treatment even further. Psychotherapeutic treatment and exploratory or experiential therapies are one of the best ways to start healing and leave addiction behind.

Being Safe and Feeling Safe in Drug Rehab and Recovery

When violence and trauma are a part of your past, it can be difficult to open up and trust during drug addiction treatment. Choosing a woman-centered drug rehab can help you feel safer and enable you to speak up during group therapies. Knowing that you are surrounded by women, many of whom have experienced the same things you have, can help you to feel more comfortable sharing the details of your experience and beginning the process of healing.

Rehab for Women at The Orchid

Would you like to learn more about our drug and alcohol addiction treatment program for women? At The Orchid, we offer treatment by women, for women – only. We offer specialized therapies and treatments that address the experience of women during active addiction. Contact us today and learn more about how we can help you or a woman you love come back from drug and alcohol addiction.

Drummer Patty Schemel once played for the band Hole and is the focus of a new documentary called Hit So Hard: The Life and Near Death Story of Patty Schemel. Now screening at film festivals across the country, the documentary tells the tale of Schemel’s experiences in a famous band and her struggles with heroin addiction which she eventually overcome.

Building a Foundation for Hole… and Heroin Addiction

Schemel grew up in a small town and soon found that most of the world was not as receptive of her gay identity as her supportive parents were. According to Schemel, her mother told her “There’s such a huge world out there for you,” and with the support of her family, Schemel went out to find it. She soon found “her people” and began to play music more and more. It wasn’t long before she was introduced to Courtney Love and other members of the band, Hole… and heroin.

Schemel’s Heroin Addiction

Her heroin addiction was not at all connected to her identity as a lesbian. Though many gay and lesbian youth turn to drug and alcohol addiction as a way to escape the pain and guilt that they feel for the discrimination they face, this was not Schemel’s experience. For her, heroin started out as something to try, but she had a genetic predisposition for the development of addiction so experimental use quickly turned into something more serious.

Heroin Addiction Treatment for Schemel

After a few years of living with an active heroin addiction and continuing to tour with Hole, Schemel soon lost control. She left the band and began the process of seeking treatment for heroin addiction – but it was a long road.

When asked what helped her to finally start living a clean and sober life, Schemel said: “The small things like the small estimable acts like taking time to help and teach drum students or teach rock and roll camp for girls and that got me back to being around music. Now I do all kinds of stuff with music. It was a slow return, you know?”

Schemel hopes that the documentary will remind viewers to be careful of what they wish for. Also, because she lost a lot of friends along the way to heroin addiction, she hopes that the documentary may inspire viewers to make the changes necessary to kick their own habits.

Women who are interested in heroin addiction treatment can call The Orchid today and learn more about our woman-centered heroin rehab program. Call now.