Contrary to popular belief, while women may sometimes seem like the strongest of humans, they are physically weaker than men on certain fronts, especially where intoxicating beverages are concerned. In fact, a report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has indicated that women who excessively drink alcohol are putting themselves at a higher risk for brain, heart, and liver damage than their male counterparts. Overall, alcoholism and alcohol abuse are deadly mental illnesses, but, as further NIAAA and additional scientific studies indicate, females are not as physically capable of handling booze as men. So, in what ways do women react to alcohol and how does this differ from men, the physically stronger gender? Let’s take a closer look at the facts and find out some more information.
A Matter of Gender Difference
Ultimately, gender is a defining point in physicality that (quite literally) differentiates us between males (testosterone-driven fighters) and women (estrogen-driven nurturers). In a very unique (and slightly expected twist), this chemical foundation is also a building block for metabolization of toxins. Past studies have strongly indicated that higher risks for certain diseases or mental problems are significantly due to differences in gender (although this principle is not set in stone).
Simply put, women do not metabolize alcohol as well as men and are prone to higher levels of alcohol poisoning. For example, after consuming the same amount of booze as males, females will experience a higher blood-alcohol content (BAC), overall. As expected (as the NIAAA reports), women will suffer from more severe bouts of intoxication and can suffer from more severe damage to their organs than men.
Women-Centric Problems
Based on this information, researchers have listed the following problems women are more prone to than their male counterparts:
- Brain Damage: Through MRI scans, scientists have discovered that the multitasking area of our brains (so to speak) in alcoholic women functioned poorly, in contrast to the brains of nonalcoholic women and men.
- Breast Cancer: Studies indicate that excessive amounts of alcohol raise the risk for breast cancer.
- Heart Disease: While women are put at a high risk for heart disease, they share the same rate of cardiomyopathy with men.
- Liver Damage: Women will induce liver damage over a short time after consuming small amounts of booze (in contrast to men).
- Traffic Accidents: Even though women do not drive after drinking as much as men, they have a higher risk of suffering from traffic accidents if they are intoxicated.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.
