MAIN Health Diseases Alcoholism Women & Alcohol

A good stiff drink may look pretty appealing to an increasing number of women who work outside the home, and who are under increased pressure from alcohol advertising campaigns specifically targeting women - or who may be driven to drink just from the day-to-day burden of juggling career and family.

Be aware, however, there are special health issues that women face when it comes to drinking, especially when they cross the line into alcoholism or alcohol abuse.

With 10% more fat in their bodies than men's, and with less water in their bodies to dilute the alcohol, women have been shown to be more sensitive to alcohol. This means that the eventual onset of physical symptoms such as liver damage from alchohol comes sooner for women than for men. In addition, due to hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause, their response to alcohol can be unpredictable. A single drink that gives a slight buzz one may result in total innebriation the next.

Although men increasingly help shoulder child-rearing duties in the modern family, most of the work continues to fall to women, beginning with the responsibility for the part alcohol plays in fetal development.

Find out more about the special issues women face when it comes to alcohol at Web sites offering the latest news and research, plus facts on alcohol's related physical and psychological effects, or where to get help for yourself or someone you love...

Alcohol : A Women's Health Issue - Extensive discussion on the benefits and risks of drinking with information on stress, problem drinking, fetal alcohol syndrome, drinking in older women, with related links and resources.

Women for Sobriety - Non-profit organization helping women overcome alcoholism and other addictions offering online chat, newsletter, program subscription information.

Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs Among Women - Statistics and reports on consumption rates, drinking patterns and trends among women in the U.S.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome at NOFAS - Non-profit advocacy group offering tips, advice, facts and information on the use of alcohol during pregnancy and its correlation to increased risk of mental retardation and birth defects.

Answers About Alcohol and Breast Cancer - Fact sheet from the American Cancer Society discussing recent studies suggesting a connection between alcohol consumption and breast cancer, and risks before and after menopause.

also see in Alcoholism -> Alcoholism Research | Drunk Driving

Family Resources | Meetings, Support | Symptoms & Treatment

also see in Diseases -> Cirrhosis | Liver Diseases

also see in Pregnancy -> Complications & High Risk

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.