Many women enjoy the occasional adult beverage. But sometimes things get out of control. Drinking becomes less of a treat and more of an uncontrolled habit. You may find yourself worried that your loved one has reached a dangerous state, and wondering about the signs of alcohol addiction in women. If this is your mindset, it may be time to consult with alcohol addiction rehab in Florida, or a similar facility closer to home.
While more men than women drink alcohol, the gap is closing. Alcohol use and abuse by women is on the rise. That’s why it’s essential to recognize the signs of alcohol addiction in women. The sooner you do, the quicker you can get her to begin the treatment process and return to a life of sobriety.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
If only there were an objective measure to decide if someone has a clinically significant drinking problem. But there isn’t. Only drinking a lot does not mean that a woman is addicted to alcohol. Addiction is determined based on how drinking qualitatively affects her life.
You are considered to have an alcohol addiction when drinking occasionally becomes drinking often and leads to severe and persistent problems in health, relationships, career, and even the law. Once you get to that point, you are described as having an alcohol-use disorder.
Alcohol-use disorder is widespread, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, experienced by between 15 million and 17 million people nationwide. About a third of that number is made up of women.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction in Women
The reasons why drinking becomes a problem for women are different than they are for men. But the warning signs are largely the same. Under diagnostic criteria, a woman is considered as having an addiction when she shows a series of concerning behaviors, including:
- Drinking for a much longer period than intended
- Wanting to stop drinking, but can’t
- Devoting an inordinate amount of time to drinking, or recovering from drinking
- Frequently calling sick into work, experiencing other work problems
- Difficulties such as arguments in relationships
- Persistently drinking even though it causes personal or professional problems
If you’ve spotted these or other signs of alcohol addiction in women, consider seeking help from our women’s alcohol addiction rehab, or a facility like it closer to where you live.
Getting Her Help
Alcohol abuse affects both men and women, and people of all ages. Unfortunately, only about one of every 10 people who have an alcohol-use disorder go so far as to seek treatment, according to the NIAAA.
Treatment is definitely a challenge that requires a commitment to change. It typically starts with an intake and comprehensive evaluation, where doctors and addiction counselors seek to understand your history and relationship to alcohol.
After that, you may face a period of detox — a key step in recovery. In order to restore sobriety, you have to stop drinking. And that causes withdrawal symptoms that are sometimes painful and severe. Doctors help you manage through those withdrawal symptoms.
After that, you’ll be involved in counseling, both at an individual and group level. And then finally, you’ll be enrolled in after-care, where you have support to fight back against relapse.
The purpose of understanding the signs of alcohol addiction in women is to help move them toward a realization that they need help — and can get it.
Treatment When You Need It
Watching for the signs of alcohol addiction in women, and then acting to provide help, is an act of love. Trust your instincts and seek help today. The first step may be a Florida alcohol detox center or similar facility in your community. The important part is to start today.
