Drinking affects women differently than men, and addiction specialists look at these differences when planning treatment programs. You may have heard some of these differences already: women can get intoxicated faster than men while drinking the same amount, they face health risks from drinking that men don’t typically face, and their ability to become pregnant can create health risks for an unborn child. Today, let’s review some of these effects of drinking on women and how to find a treatment when alcohol has become a threat to you.
Long-term drinking can lead to very different outcomes for women than it does for men. Women face an increased risk of breast cancer after years of excessive drinking, for example. An added risk for pregnant women is the development of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in their unborn child. Women who continue to drink regularly after suffering physical effects or changes to their mental health should look for a treatment program immediately. A residential program for women with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders involves dual diagnosis treatment.
A more thorough program, like the one at Hannah’s House, will add services for:
- Care exclusively for women
- Medical detox
- Trauma therapies
- Life skills learning
- Family programming
- Planning for continuing care
How Hannah’s House Understands the Effects of Alcohol on Women
We see how alcohol use disorders touch every aspect of our patients’ lives. Women are affected by excessive drinking in physical, mental, psychological, and emotional ways. The treatment team at Hannah’s House also sees the social impact and legal consequences in patients whose drinking has been a problem. Some of these signs may be frequent binge drinking, risky behaviors, financial troubles, sexual assault, drinking and driving charges, and more.
Medical Risks of Alcoholism for Women at Hannah’s House
24/7 medical care at Hannah’s House is essential as patients with a history of drinking may come to us with medical conditions. Malnutrition and dehydration are just two examples of the medical risks our patients face daily before seeking our help. Sometimes, they experience the dangers of starting withdrawal on their own. We eliminate the risks of alcohol withdrawal that can be fatal by offering a safe medical detox. The treatment team at Hannah’s House also sees cases of alcohol poisoning, patients with nausea, liver damage, weight loss, heart disease, hepatitis, certain forms of cancer, and women who have been injured because of an accident while intoxicated or harmed by someone they know. As we know, medical conditions don’t disappear in treatment. That’s why we offer round-the-clock access to medical care for our patients.
Alcohol Abuse Treatment for Pregnant Women at Hannah’s House
Pregnant women face an additional medical risk when drinking: the threat of their unborn child developing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. We understand that women may be drinking into their second or third trimester, even when they know some of the risks they could be creating. Those potential risks for their unborn child speech problems, heart conditions, and learning disabilities. The treatment team at Hannah’s House understands the need for support and skills beyond treating substance use. We provide access to education and counseling for pregnant women. We offer training for new parents, prenatal care, and family therapy. Expectant mothers can participate in workshops to learn life skills while in treatment. As a final piece, we help pregnant women plan for the continuing care they will help them stay in recovery and better protect their child and family.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment for Women at Hannah’s House
A unique aspect of our alcohol treatment for women is the care itself is specifically designed for women only. Our treatment team is made up of women who bring years of experience in helping patients of all ages begin to work towards their recovery. We routinely treat women who have attempted recovery before in other places. We recognize what may have been missing in their previous attempts at sobriety and why they’ve often relapsed. Our addiction specialists understand the connection between mental health and substance use. We’ve had a great deal of interaction with women whose anxiety or depression has added to their struggle to get sober. It’s why we assess and treat co-occurring mental health disorders in a program that’s integrated with substance use treatment. Unresolved trauma is another factor often interfering with our patients’ goals of staying in recovery. We’ve seen trauma therapies become more and more important in programs to help women end the cycle of alcohol addiction.
About Hannah’s House
Hannah’s House is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For information on our programs, call us today: 866-952-5532.
