Traditionally, heavy drinking has been seen as a largely male-dominated social problem. However, recent studies show that women, including women of childbearing age, are drinking as much and even more than their male counterparts. Moreover, women who drink frequently develop alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other serious health problems more rapidly than men, and women can die of AUD or develop problems such as blackouts at a much higher rate and after less years of drinking to excess than men whose drinking patterns are the same.
What Is Causing the Rise in Heavy Drinking and AUD in Women?
Since alcohol use is widely accepted at social functions, girls often start drinking to fit in with their peers, even as teenagers. Also, women often drink to self-medicate and relieve symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Statistics show that many more women than men are survivors of childhood abuse, including sexual abuse, and of this number many have never undergone therapy for their trauma. On the contrary, many girls are told by family members that the sexual abuse is their fault, or that they are lying when they try to get help to stop ongoing sexual abuse.
Other factors that could be fueling a rise in AUD among women are career and family stressors. Women still face widespread discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. At home, women often must shoulder the primary responsibility of caring for the kids and running the household. Many women are the sole providers for their children and may have less education and employment options. Check Abbey Care Foundation for more alcohol abuse information.
For women who self-medicate with alcohol, the drug itself can cause depression and a host of other problems. To quote David Bowie’s song “Cat People,” using alcohol to self-medicate for PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues is like “putting out fire with gasoline.”
Why Are Women Reluctant to Seek Help for Alcohol Use Disorder?
The social stigma associated with women who drink had been decreasing for decades, yet it is still prevalent enough to dissuade women with AUD from seeking help. Also, there aren’t many rehab centers that allow children to accompany their mothers to inpatient care. Some women avoid admitting they have a problem and seeking help for fear that Child Protective Services will move in and take custody of their kids.
There is Nothing You Can Do to Help Yourself and/or Your Children More Than Seeking Help if You Suffer From Alcohol Use Disorder
Even worse than losing custody of your kids is the danger of losing their love and respect, which often happens when somebody is raised by a parent with AUD. Moreover, predators, including sexual predators and pedophiles, target children with single parents who are alcohol impaired.
In order to protect yourself and your children, including any children you may bear in the future, it is very important to seek help if you suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder. A person with active AUD has no more ability to be a good parent than a blind person can be a good driver. You cannot protect yourself and your kids while you’re mentally and physically alcohol-impaired.
Whether you’re an adult with a family, a single working woman, a college or high school student, if you find that you have little ability to control your drinking, you must seek help now. There are many community resources available if you have the courage to find them. You owe it to yourself above all to reach out for help to live a happy, healthy life.
About the Author: Mike Williams is a San Diego native who participates in recovery at Present Moments San Diego drug rehab and has written about the field of behavioral health for over 15 years.
