Women and Alcohol Abuse and Addiction

When one thinks of an alcohol problem, they may picture a man sitting alone on his couch with an empty bottle of scotch, his tie loosened and the television blaring. But the Mad Men times have since passed, and that sterotype has been practically silenced as drinking problems are ever increasing in women.

As women take on more responsibilities, they add on more life stressors. They are mothers, wives, CEOs, and have to worry about their aging parents. These stresses, along with a possible trauma, anxiety or depression may drive the urge to drink among the female population. Young professionals may be more prone to drink with collegues and clients, as alcohol marketing takes a turn from billboards of sexy women enticing men to drink to pomegranate-flavored vodkas and pink cosmopolitans that aim for the young and hip female crowd. And finally, there could be deeper issues that drive women to the glass, bottle or can - past sexual or physical abuse and post-traumatic stress.

Whatever the reason a woman drinks, there are symptoms she can recognize that may tell her she has an addiction to alcohol and may need to seek help:

-- A higher tolerance for alcohol; needing more to drink to feel "buzzed" or drunk

-- Making excuses to drink; focusing on drinking when out socializing

-- Blacking out while drinking

-- Violence while drinking

-- Drinking alone

-- Getting arrested while intoxicated

-- Missing work because of drinking

-- A decrease in day-to-day activities

-- Withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking

-- Guilty feelings about your drinking habits

The hopeful news for women that suffer from alcohol addiction is that there is help available. The first step is to recognize the problem, and to have a desire to change your life and stop drinking completely or get your drinking to a more practical, responsible level. Reaching out to a supportive family member or friend can help to guide you on the first step of your journey. Other ways to aid yourself in recovery include:

-- Talking to your health-care provider about the problem and discussing what medical steps to take - there may also be medications available to help you

-- Joining a support group to be around others that share your challenge - many of these groups are also led by women that have recovered from alcohol addiction

-- Starting a therapy program with a licensed professional - a therapist can help you find other ways to manage your stress without turning to alcohol

-- In-patient or out-patient rehabilitation programs are available in almost every community

-- Eating a balanced diet and taking vitamin supplements

-- Getting plenty of exercise and sleep

What is important to remember is that the road to recovery is ongoing. Relapses are a natural part of the process. Working with a therapist and support group can help you get through those times of struggle and aid in leading you back on the healthy, happy track you see your life heading.