Eden Recovery Centre answers the common question of who is most likely to abuse alcohol…. Men or women?

Men Vs Women and alcoholism. The truth uncovered: Alcoholism is more than twice as common among men as women. Men are more at risk for abusing or becoming dependent on alcohol than women. HOWEVER, the consequences associated with heavy drinking are accelerated in women vs. men. For example, a man may be a heavy drinker for 20 to 30 years and have moderate problems, while a woman can be a heavy drinker for only five years and show moderate to severe problems.

At Eden Recovery Centre, we explain to women that they are more at risk for developing a drinking problem later in life. And when it comes to emotional stability, Eden warns ladies that chronic alcohol abuse takes a greater toll on women than on men. Women alcoholics also have a higher percentage of death due to alcohol-related injuries, circulatory disorders and cirrhosis of the liver.

Men vs. Women and Alcoholism: Metabolism
Women typically have less body mass and less water content in their bodies than men. Body water diffuses alcohol content as it’s digested, which means women have a higher concentration of alcohol in their blood stream when they drink. This not only causes women to become more impaired from drinking, but also exposes their brains and other organs to more alcohol before it’s broken down. This plays a role in the short- and long-term effects of alcohol on women.

Men vs. Women and Alcoholism: Alcoholic Health Issues
Alcohol-induced liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis develop more quickly in women than in men, and more alcoholic women die from cirrhosis than alcoholic men.
At Eden Recovery Centre, we constantly highlight the fact that women who consume alcohol are more at risk for developing cancer than men. Excessive alcohol consumption has also been shown to increase the risk of several digestive-tract cancers in women.
Women in the late stages of develop hypertension, anaemia and malnutrition much quicker than alcoholic men. They are also at risk for developing depression, sleeping problems and are more at risk for personal injury. These risks are especially prevalent in older women.

Men vs. Women and Alcoholism: Excessive Drinking
Studies show that men are more likely than women to take risks during periods of excessive drinking, further increasing their risk of injury or death. In fact, men consistently have higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations than women.
Drinking makes symptoms of depression and anxiety worse. Studies show that men are more likely than women to commit suicide, and that the majority of men who commit suicide consumed alcohol before doing so.

Men vs. Women and Alcoholism: Treatment
At Eden Recovery Centre, we believe that alcoholism is more than just a physical problem. We recognize the need for mental and physical recovery and strive to treat our guest’s well-being. At Eden Recovery Centre, we also understand that men and women face unique hurdles in treatment and will tailor-make a treatment programme to your specific needs.