This page delivers facts and information based on scientific research only. It is designed to dispel myth and deliver purposeful reality and important information related to alcohol and drug abuse in women.

Women’s alcohol and drug abuse patterns are different than men’s — especially when it comes to the type of alcohol or drug they use, the amounts they use and the frequency with which they use them. Women’s bodies react differently to alcohol and drugs than men’s bodies. As a result, women face greater health risks and harsher realities. Women need to be aware of the health risks associated with using drugs and alcohol mostly because the majority of women, on occasion, take some type of drug.

Women report that stress, negative feelings and relationships often precipitate their initial drug and alcohol use. In fact, women are usually introduced to drugs and alcohol by a boyfriend, family member or close friend.

Most research contends that women with the highest risk factors for the development of substance abuse disorders usually have one or more of the following familial influences;

• Parental substance abuse
• Households that are chaotic, argumentative or violent
• If a child is required to take on adult responsibilities at too young of an age

Why do women face higher risk?

Research shows that women start to have alcohol and drug related problems at lower levels than men. One reason is that, on average, women weigh less than men. In addition, alcohol and drugs disperse in body water, and pound for pound, women have less water in their bodies than men. If a man and a woman of the same weight drink the same amount of alcohol or use the same concentration and amount of drug, the woman’s concentration will tend to be higher, putting her at greater risk for harm. Other biological differences, including hormones, may contribute, as well.

What are the risks?

The following are a few common risks specific to women:

• Sexual Assault
• Physical Battery
• Menstrual dysfunction
• Fertility problems
• Miscarriage
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• Early onset menopause
• Increased risk of breast cancer
• Quicker onset of Blackout Syndrome

Women and Alcoholism

Liver Damage: Women who drink are more likely to develop alcoholic hepatitis (liver inflammation) than men who drink the same amount of alcohol. Alcoholic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis.

Heart Disease: Chronic heavy drinking is a leading cause of heart disease. Among heavy drinkers, women are more susceptible to alcohol-related heart disease than men, even though women drink less alcohol over a lifetime than men.

Breast Cancer: There is an association between drinking alcohol and developing breast cancer. Women who consume about one drink per day have a 10 percent higher chance of developing breast cancer than women who do not drink at all.

Pregnancy: Any drinking during pregnancy is risky. A pregnant woman who drinks heavily puts her fetus at risk for learning and behavioral problems and abnormal facial features. Even moderate drinking during pregnancy can cause problems. Drinking during pregnancy also may increase the risk for preterm labor.

Some women should never drink at all, including:

Women have significant disadvantages

Women with drug abuse and alcoholic drinking problems usually have partners with drug or alcohol problems. Many women perceive drug and alcohol abuse with their partner as a way of maintaining the relationship. Women in relationships with men with intravenous drug abuse disorders bear the majority risk of contracting STD’s like; Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), HIV and AIDS.

Married women are at significantly lower risk of developing substance abuse disorders then women who are separated, never married or divorced. Relationship status does not end at the development of drug addiction and alcoholism but it also plays a significant role in treatment entry, retention and outcome.

Another important factor related to samples of women addicts is the prevalence of trauma either interpersonal trauma (child abuse or neglect) or childhood sexual abuse.

Life is so much more than just getting high or drunk

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation for women is designed to help women heal from drug and alcohol use. The rehabilitation concept is simply to help women heal in the most effective manner possible. Rehab tries to improve self-awareness and shed light on the benefits of letting go, especially of negative thoughts, and feelings. Rehabilitation tries guide women back into the present - which is the only effective place in time to think, feel and heal.

By initially speaking about some of life’s more difficult experiences the process brings people back into the moment and allows effectual thinking, feeling and behaving. We understand what addicts and alcoholics go through when they are using drugs and drinking alcohol. The pain resulting from addiction is quite agonizing and we have no intention of minimizing that fact. But we also do not dwell in the past. Rehab is about putting the past behind and moving on. The healing process is in the present time and no other place. Rehab shows woman how to end their suffering today and begin living healthy and productive lives - NOW.

You have nothing to lose except your problem. So give us a call.

If you have any questions about our women’s rehab program please contact our Admissions Department:

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