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According to an article on About.com, women who abuse alcohol, or even occasionally drink to excess, face greater risks to their health than men.

It has been noted that women get drunk faster than men, even taking into account the difference in body weight. But there is also evidence that they become addicted faster than men and suffer the consequences of abuse-related illnesses sooner than their male counterparts.

The effects of alcohol on the liver are more severe for women than for men. Women develop alcoholic liver disease and hepatitis, after a shorter period of time than men. Proportionately more alcoholic women die from cirrhosis than do alcoholic men.

Other Alcohol Related Health Problems for Women

In the “late stages” of alcoholism in women, they also develop hypertension, anemia, and malnutrition much quicker than alcoholic men, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that a woman’s risk of breast cancer rises with the amount of alcohol regularly consumed. Drinking moderately or not at all can reduce the chance of getting breast cancer.

The study showed that women who drink two to five alcoholic drinks each day, were 41 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than nondrinkers. Excessive alcohol consumption also increases the risk of several digestive-tract cancers.

According to the article, these health risks are even greater for older women. Women are more likely than men to start drinking heavily later in life, and many times their alcohol abuse goes undiagnosed.

Reproductive Problems Associated with Alcohol

Menstrual disorders have also been associated with chronic heavy drinking, which can lead to fertility problems. If a woman does get pregnant and continues to drink, it is not only her health that can be affected.

The alcohol in the blood is carried into the baby’s bloodstream. Because the baby is still developing, consuming alcohol can lead to a miscarriage. It can also lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or birth defects.

In fact, the dangers of drinking while pregnant are so great that the March of Dimes recommends that women stop drinking before even trying to become pregnant.

At The Open Door Women’s Relapse Prevention Center we understand that the addiction recovery is different for men and women. Our 4 week sober living programs are designed specifically for women. If you or someone you know needs help, contact us today at (888) 404-7625.