Alcohol Abuse Treatment Options for Women in Washington
Traditionally, alcohol abuse has been less common in women compared to men. However, studies show that alcohol misuse is on the rise among women – and while an alcohol use disorder presents a serious risk to anyone, women who drink excessively have a higher risk of health-related problems than men. If you are a woman with problematic drinking patterns, seeking specialized care that addresses women’s unique needs can be crucial.
In this article, we talk about some of the health risks women who abuse alcohol should be aware of, as well as the treatment options available to them, including support for mental health challenges.
Safe Drinking Levels for Women
Alcohol abuse is a serious problem in the United States. An estimated 5 million American women suffer from an alcohol use disorder. regardless of severity, Women battling alcoholism can benefit from the vast treatment options available throughout Washington. But what constitutes safe drinking levels or excessive alcohol consumption in women? How does a woman know that she needs to cut back on drinking or seek outside intervention?
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says heavy alcohol use is 3 drinks a day or more for women. Binge drinking is drinking alcohol to the extent that blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 g/dL or higher. In a typical woman, this corresponds to 4 or more drinks in roughly 2 hours. Women can develop alcoholism after drinking less than men so heavy alcohol use and binge drinking are even more impactful risk factors for women.
To reflect this risk, the drinking levels in women are lower than men, and if necessary certain women should avoid drinking alcohol altogether, such as:
- Women whose job involves driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Women who are taking certain over-the-counter or prescription medications that can interact with alcohol, for example, sleeping pills, sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, and antidepressants.
- Women with certain medical conditions that can be worsened by alcohol use, such as heart failure, irregular heart rhythm, diabetes, and high triglycerides.
- Women with a history of alcohol use disorder or treatments at other alcohol rehab centers
- Women less than 21 years of age.
- Women who are pregnant or about to plan a pregnancy.
Understanding the Higher Risks of Alcohol Abuse for Women
Women face greater health risks related to alcohol abuse, including mental health complications that need to be managed alongside alcohol use disorder.
Also, women develop alcohol-related health problems at lower drinking levels than men. These additional health complications need to be managed alongside alcohol use disorder with specialized treatment approaches available in Washington.
Multiple factors put women at higher risk of health complications from alcohol use. For one, women have lower body weight and more water content than men (alcohol is predominantly present in body water). Meaning, if a man and woman who weigh the same have an equal number of the same drinks, the blood alcohol concentration will be higher for the woman and will put her at more risk of harm. Various biological differences between men and women also play a role in women developing alcoholism faster. Healthcare providers experienced in gender-specific treatments understand these differences and offer appropriate care throughout Washington.
Long-Term Health Risks of Drinking in Women
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is defined as a woman’s inability to reduce or stop using alcohol despite negative effects on her social life, work life, and health. The severity of an alcohol use disorder can vary. Women with mild AUD may benefit from medical detox followed by outpatient treatment tailored to women’s needs. Women with moderate to severe AUD may require residential addiction treatment in programs that specialize in care for women, including dual diagnosis for those battling both alcohol and drug addiction.
Whatever the severity of the AUD, recovery is possible with appropriate, evidence-based treatment programs available for women across Washington.
Here are some of the associated health risks with increased alcohol consumption in women:
Liver Disease: Regular abuse of alcohol can lead to alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), which are potentially fatal diseases.
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+18442884672 Heart Disease: One of the leading causes of heart disease in men and women is long-term alcohol use. Women who misuse alcohol are at higher risk of heart disease compared to men. Women can develop heart disease at lower levels of drinking than men. Heart conditions can additionally complicate addiction treatment.
Brain Changes: Alcohol affects the human brain quite significantly. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests brain damage as a result of alcohol use develops more quickly in women than men. Also, women are more susceptible to alcohol-induced blackouts than men. Studies in teenage girls and boys have shown that girls who drink have worse performance on memory tests as well as a greater reduction in the size of critical brain areas compared to boys. Specialized programs in Washington may offer addiction treatment for adolescent girls to address their unique needs.
Breast Cancer: Scientists have identified a link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer in women. Studies have shown that women who have 1 drink daily have up to 9% higher risk of breast cancer compared to women who abstain from alcohol completely. The risk of breast cancer increases with every additional daily drink.
Pregnancy: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can be harmful to the developing baby and may lead to physical, behavioral, and cognitive problems after birth. Children born to mothers who abuse alcohol during pregnancy are also at risk of a condition called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder due to exposure to alcohol before birth. Oftentimes, women seeking care at a women’s specific alcohol rehab center in Washington are new mothers with infants who are suffering from the negative effects of maternal alcohol abuse.
Support and Therapy Approaches in Women’s Alcohol Rehab
Early intervention in alcohol use disorder can greatly enhance recovery outcomes for women. Recognizing the early signs of problem drinking and seeking help promptly can prevent long-term health issues and improve overall well-being. Support from loved ones, including family and friends, is particularly vital during the recovery process. A robust support network can inspire women to pursue treatment and provide the emotional support needed during challenging times. Family therapy programs offered in Washington rehab centers play a crucial role in the healing journey, helping to repair relationships and promote lasting sobriety.
Mental health is a critical factor in the recovery process for women facing alcohol addiction. Addressing co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, is essential for achieving a successful and sustained recovery. Washington’s rehab centers offer comprehensive, integrated treatment plans that address both mental health and substance use disorders, ensuring that women receive the holistic care they need.
Behavioral therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), are key components of alcohol addiction treatment for women. These therapies help women identify and understand the underlying causes of their drinking while equipping them with the tools to manage cravings and stressors effectively. Washington’s rehab programs incorporate these evidence-based therapies to support ongoing recovery and empower women to build a healthier, alcohol-free life.
Finding Specialized Treatment for Women’s Alcohol Abuse
Discover Recovery is a leading treatment center offering alcohol rehab services with select and specialized programs designed to meet the needs of women.
Staffed by a highly experienced team of healthcare providers, including board-certified physicians with specialization in addiction medicine, masters-level counselors, and registered nurses. Our programs are designed to treat various substance use disorders, providing women with the tools they need to achieve lasting sobriety. Some of our staff members are themselves women who have battled alcoholism and understand the challenges of seeking specialized care designed for women. We use a medical detox program and a range of behavioral therapies tailored for women to provide comprehensive care, helping to achieve lasting sobriety
If you or someone you love is seeking addiction treatment, there are many resources available across Washington tailored to women’s needs. Contact Discover Recovery for more information and start your journey to a sober future.
