Women’s beer alcoholism
Contents
Some lay people tend to consider women’s beer alcoholism a separate condition. However, it is important to remember that the strength of the beverage does not play a key role; the mechanisms of addiction formation are the same. Therefore, the term “beer alcoholism” merely characterizes the specifics of consuming low-alcohol beverages. Women’s beer alcoholism has several differences, and treating it requires a special approach.
Differences and features of women’s beer alcoholism
Beer alcoholism develops in women relatively quickly, similar to dependence on other alcoholic beverages. This is due to the characteristics of a woman’s body:
- Higher fat content and lower water content;
- Reduced production of alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme, responsible for ethanol breakdown;
- A relatively greater psychosocial vulnerability: women experiencing depression while social and personal issues are more likely to turn to alcoholism.
Therefore, while it may take 4-7 or even 10 years for a man to develop alcoholism, a woman may become an alcoholic in just 3-5 years.
There are also common specific features: the fact that beer usually contains up to 8% ethanol makes this beverage quite popular. People tend to question a woman with a beer bottle less than a lady with a glass of vodka or brandy. Moreover, it’s more convenient to consume, and many start doing so as teenagers, in yards with peers or at street parties. The lack of pronounced negative societal attitudes towards women consuming beer creates a false sense of safety when drinking low-alcohol beverages.
A separate form of women’s beer alcoholism can be considered codependent behavior, where a woman drinks along with her drinking partner, often a husband or boyfriend. The motivation for this can vary, such as seeking shared activities or trying to limit her partner’s alcohol intake.
However, it’s essential to understand that even when a woman is aware of the developing addiction, she rarely seeks help from a narcologist. Moreover, many close relatives may not suspect beer alcoholism because women often hide their drinking habits. When it occurs 2-3 times a week, concealing episodes of intoxication is relatively easy. Typically, changes become noticeable as the dose increases.
Increasing the required dose for intoxication and transitioning to stronger beverages, another dangerous consequence of beer alcoholism, poses risks to women’s health, including:
- Aggressiveness, irritability, sleep disturbances;
- Changes in weight;
- Menstrual cycle irregularities, infertility;
- Signs of aging, facial puffiness, hair loss;
- Internal organ diseases, and more.
One more terrible consequence of alcoholism in women is its impact on pregnancy and fetal development. Doctors recommend abstaining from alcohol at least 3-6 months before planning pregnancy. Even if pregnancy is not part of a woman’s plans, it’s nearly impossible to eliminate conception entirely, given her personal life, while regularly consuming alcohol. This means that alcohol consumption during reproductive years is always risky.
Treatment methods and rehabilitation
Women’s beer alcoholism is treatable, and there are some positive differences in its treatment. Women are often more disciplined in their treatment, especially if they are motivated to recover. This is partly due to the presence of children and the fear of losing parental rights. If a drinking man leaves children with their wife, she must continue providing direct care, a traditional and legal obligation.
The stages of treating women’s beer alcoholism are not different from those used with men:
- Detoxification;
- Psychotherapy – comprehensive psychosocial rehabilitation;
- Readaptation.
The specific methods within psychotherapeutic work may vary depending on the individual case. At the IsraRehab clinic, the treatment program is personalized, considering the specifics of the addiction, the individual’s personality, and their health status.
Advantages of seeking help at the clinic
At IsraRehab, you can be confident that you will receive qualified assistance. We have brought together the experience of the best Israeli therapists and offer effective treatment methods, leading psychosocial approaches to alcohol addiction recovery.
Comfortable living conditions, diverse leisure activities, a healing climate, and the opportunity for sports – these and more help create a therapeutic environment conducive to recovery.
