Alcohol use disorder is a disease that can affect anyone, but there are some signs of alcoholism that are more common in women than men. Although many symptoms of alcohol abuse in women and men are similar, women tend to have more physical problems at lower levels of alcohol consumption than men do. To protect your health from the long-term effects of alcohol addiction, seek the help of an alcohol and drug rehab center for women in Tacoma, Washington.
At Bayview Recovery, we understand that some women may be hesitant to get help because of the stigma of women’s alcohol addiction. We are here to offer non-judgmental treatment in a safe, welcoming environment. Reach out to us today at 855.478.3650 to learn more about our women’s alcohol addiction treatment in Washington.
5 Signs of Alcoholism in Women
1. They Have Trouble Taking Care of Their Children
One of the most concerning signs of alcoholism in women is an inability to care for their children. They may not be able to fulfill their duties as a mother because they are hungover or drunk from the night before, which could put the child in harm’s way. This can also cause issues at school if it interferes with the child’s attendance or their grades start to slip from missing too many days.
2. They Have Trouble Keeping Up with Their Job Responsibilities
Alcohol abuse in women can cause them to lose interest in their jobs, and they may start missing work excessively because of it. Their job performance can suffer, and some women may even get reprimanded or fired.
3. They Binge Drink at Least Once per Week
Binge drinking for women is generally considered to be four or more drinks within two hours. This may seem like typical weekend partying for many women. However, when alcohol addiction becomes more severe, binge drinking can start to occur during unusual times. A woman struggling with addiction may begin drinking heavily in the morning, during a lunch break, or when home alone.
4. They Cannot Limit Themselves to a Certain Number of Drinks
One of the signs of alcohol abuse in women is an inability to control the amount of drinking. A woman may intend not to drink during an outing or plan to have just one or two drinks, then find it impossible to cut herself off after that amount.
5. They Need to Drink Larger Amounts of Alcohol for the Same Effects
Another sign of women’s alcohol addiction is the need to keep increasing the number of drinks to get the same buzz. This is a sign of tolerance, which occurs when the body becomes accustomed to something over time. What may start out as a glass or two of wine to relax and have fun gradually becomes four or more to get the same feeling.
The Importance of Seeking Treatment for Women’s Alcohol Addiction
In general, women tend to suffer more health problems related to alcohol abuse than do men. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders and may self-medicate to manage these conditions. Over the long term, women who develop alcohol use disorder can also experience a greater risk of liver disease, heart disease, and stroke, even when drinking at lower levels than men. To help protect a woman in your life from the hazardous effects of alcohol abuse, seek the assistance of gender-specific treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Trust Bayview Recovery for Women’s Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Washington
If you think a woman in your life is showing signs of alcoholism, getting a proper diagnosis is the first step toward recovery. Reach out to Bayview Recovery at 855.478.3650 or contact us online to schedule an assessment to see if our women’s addiction treatment in Washington can help someone you love.