Did you know genetics play a significant role in alcoholism and alcohol abuse in both men and women? While research and studies have shown that men have a higher likelihood of alcoholism and heaving drinking, genetic factors could predispose members of both sex to alcohol addiction. In addition to genetics, factors such as cultural and societal expectations plus gender roles can also influence an individual regarding alcohol. Because there are many different reasons both culturally and genetically for why a man vs. a woman could become an alcoholic, it is important to note that alcoholism treatment should not a one-size-fits-all approach. Let’s take a closer look at how alcoholism is different in each sex:
Alcoholism in Women
For starters, a woman’s body reacts differently to alcohol than a man. Because women have less water volume in their body overall, they tend to have higher blood alcohol levels when drinking the same amount of alcohol as a man. Most women also tend to carry less lean muscle mass vs. men, which helps the body break down alcohol. The less alcohol broken down in the body, the more substances such as ethanol are delivered to the brain, heart and liver. All of this can tie into health issues over time, and research shows women developing alcohol-related health issues quicker than men.
Regarding health, did you know just one drink per day raises a woman’s risk of breast cancer? In addition, women who have an alcohol abuse problem are more likely to die from cirrhosis of the liver than a man.
For women who are pregnant, two lives will now be affected if alcohol is ingested. Children born to alcoholics can suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which can cause birth defects such as changes to the size and shape of the fetus, memory and learning impairments, cognitive issues and more.
Many factors revolve around a woman’s risk of becoming an alcoholic. Family history of alcoholism, child abuse, mental health problems, gender roles, family and spousal issues, and health conditions can all play a part. Detox and rehabilitation centers are designed to specifically address the needs of women living with alcoholism. When a female enters treatment, all of these factors will be addressed and a specific protocol will be designed for patient.
Alcoholism in Men
Alcohol abuse in men is much different than in their counterpart. Studies show men having higher rates of binge drinking, becoming physically aggressive while drinking, and/or committing sexual or violent crimes while intoxicated. Research also shows men having twice the chance of being injured or killed in a vehicle, and also engaging in more risky behaviors than women while drunk.
Regarding health issues, the negative health effects of a male alcoholic are many. Men living with alcohol abuse issues have a high rate of cancer in the throat, mouth, esophagus, liver and colon. In addition, issues with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, dementia and Type 2 Diabetes can occur and/or increase.
When committing to a rehabilitation program for alcoholism, the intake process will go over various factors that may cause alcohol abuse in the man’s life. These might include family history of drinking, emotional triggers, stress, gender roles, mental health issues, PTSD history, family or spouse issues, and also money or legal problems.
It isn’t uncommon for a man to cite social or work pressures as a key factor in his alcohol abuse issues. Male bonding, especially in business and social settings, typically involve alcohol. A male patient should be completely honest and forthcoming when providing his information during the intake process. This will help rehabilitation personnel and physicians to create a personalized protocol for his recovery process.
Today, doctors and counselors are much more aware of the physical and emotional differences men and women face when struggling with alcohol abuse. Rehabilitation and detox centers offer a wide range of treatment options, medications, and psychological therapies to help someone begin anew. To learn more about personalized alcoholism treatment, just contact us at Morristown Drug Treatment Centers. Our recovery advocates are standing by at (201) 366-3425.
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