The effects of alcohol on the system are the same, regardless of sex, age, or body mass. However, these factors, amongst others are what determine the extent of damage that it can cause. Research suggests that women are more likely to develop alcohol dependence and suffer the side effects of an alcohol use disorder, even at lower drinking levels than men. Hence, the female addiction treatment takes up a different structure, intensity, and duration than the treatment structure for males.
Opening your own bar is a long process with many steps, but it is possible. If you need any more inspiration, go over the 5 best beer bars in Washington, DC and see what made them work. That said, here are some facts about alcohol consumption in men and women.
How alcohol affects women differently than men
- The ability to metabolize alcohol differs in males and females. Males have a higher amount of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), the enzyme that helps metabolize alcohol. Unlike females, ADH in males is more active and reduces alcohol absorption to a fair extent.
However, women tend to absorb more alcohol into their bloodstream, as the ADH in their liver is less active. The variation in the activity and amount of alcohol in females results in increased blood alcohol levels compared to men.
- Men have more body water than women with the same body weight as them. This means that alcohol absorption will be slower in females and have longer-lasting effects.
- Women have more fatty tissues and less body water compared to men. Fat retains alcohol, and water dilutes it. This means that women are more likely to deal with the consequences of alcohol consumption.
Addiction patterns in men and women
Studies have shown that women are more likely to develop an addiction to alcohol than men. While men abuse alcohol more frequently, women are more likely to be rushed into the emergency room for overdosing on alcohol.
Women go through a quick transition from substance abuse to substance dependence and then addiction. And even after treatment, numbers have shown that women tend to relapse more than men. In addition, they experience more intense cravings, making their treatment more unique. Fortunately, it is still very easy to find help – a quick search for medical detox near me could be a good place to start when it comes to taking back control and seeing off the cravings once and for all. Health-related issues caused by alcohol in men vs. women
The health consequences of alcohol in women are similar yet different from that of men. Due to the low levels of ADH in women, they are more susceptible to alcohol-induced liver diseases. Hepatitis and cirrhosis develop more quickly in women than in men. And they are at a higher risk of death from cirrhosis.
For men, alcohol abuse can lead to several sexual health problems. Erectile dysfunction, weak erection, infertility, and difficulty in ejaculation are some of the issues they face when alcohol is consumed excessively.
Women are also more susceptible to cancer, anemia, malnutrition, and hypertension than men. The psychological effects of excessive alcohol consumption are also more severe in women. They are more likely to struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression than men.
However, the rate of suicide in alcoholic men is higher than in alcoholic women.
Conclusion
Excessive alcohol consumption has no health benefits. It should be consumed in the most minimal ways possible, or better still, totally avoided.
If you struggle with alcohol addiction, seeking help as early as possible is important. Every glass of alcohol is an added risk to your physical, psychological, emotional, and behavioral health. Don’t hesitate to talk to an expert when you see signs of substance dependence or addiction.
