Alcoholism is a serious issue that affects individuals regardless of age, race, background, and gender. However, there have been distinct differences observed in how alcoholism presents in men versus women.
Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and knowing how to provide support to those struggling with alcohol addiction. Each person should be treated as an individual when it comes to addiction. But to provide specific care for one gender of people, it pays to know what patterns tend to emerge.
How Alcoholism Presents in Men and Women
When it comes to alcoholism, men and women often exhibit different patterns of behavior and symptoms. There are also distinct differences between genders when it comes to binge drinking, though this difference is sadly shrinking over time.
Men tend to have a higher overall prevalence of alcoholism compared to women. They are more likely to engage in heavy drinking, and binge drinking, and develop alcohol-related problems at an earlier age. However, the facts change when binge drinking is considered, as girls are more likely than boys to begin binge drinking when they reach high school age.
Due to how alcohol metabolizes in women, they may be more prone to liver damage, heart disease, and other physical health problems associated with long-term excessive alcohol consumption.
It is important to note that societal stigmas and gender norms can play a significant role in how alcoholism is perceived in men versus women. Men may face less social scrutiny for their drinking behavior compared to women, who may be judged more harshly for similar levels of alcohol consumption. However, a woman abstaining from drinking altogether may encounter less social exclusion than a man who decided to not imbibe.
Research suggests that the reasons behind alcohol use may differ between men and women. While men may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with stress or emotional difficulties, women may be more likely to use alcohol as a means of self-medicating underlying mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. However, people who are inclined toward sensation-seeking behavior (regardless of gender) are more inclined to develop an alcohol addiction than those who do not have this inclination.
Several factors contribute to the higher rates of alcoholism in men. Societal expectations and norms often promote excessive drinking and create an environment where alcohol abuse is more accepted among men. Additionally, stress, trauma, and mental health issues can drive men to self-medicate with alcohol.
Genetics and biological factors may play a role in increased vulnerability to alcoholism in men. The influence of peer pressure also cannot be overlooked when examining alcoholism in men. Men may feel compelled to drink excessively in social settings to fit in or conform to societal standards of masculinity. This pressure to drink can exacerbate alcohol abuse and contribute to the development of alcohol use disorder.
While men may have a higher prevalence of alcoholism, it does not mean that women are immune to its effects. Women face their own set of challenges concerning alcoholism. Societal biases and taboos surrounding women and alcohol often lead to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of alcohol use disorders in women. It may be considered irresponsible for a woman to drink cocktails at a bar every night, but consuming the same amount of alcohol in wine at home may be seen as a form of self-care.
Hormonal fluctuations experienced during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can affect alcohol metabolism and increase the risk of alcohol-related problems in women. Women are more likely to use drugs and alcohol (and at younger ages), and women are likely to die of an overdose. They also experience a smaller gap of time between casual drug use and addiction. Women are also statistically less likely to seek help or enter a treatment program for alcohol addiction.
Biological Differences in Alcohol Metabolism
One critical difference between men and women is the way their bodies metabolize alcohol. Women generally have less water in their bodies compared to men, causing alcohol to become more concentrated in their bloodstream. Additionally, women have lower levels of certain enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism, leading to a slower breakdown of alcohol in their bodies. This can increase the risk of alcohol-related organ damage and other adverse health effects.
There are many biological consequences to women typically being physically smaller than men, especially when it comes to reacting to addictive substances. Women may experience a more rapid and severe intoxication even after consuming smaller amounts of alcohol than men. As individuals age, their bodies may become less efficient at metabolizing alcohol due to changes in liver function and enzyme activity. This can result in alcohol staying in the system for a longer period of time, potentially leading to prolonged intoxication and increased health risks.
Social Stigmas Surrounding Alcoholism in Men vs. Women
Men with alcohol addiction may experience less social judgment and may be more likely to receive support for seeking treatment. This can be attributed to cultural norms that tolerate and even encourage heavy drinking among men. But this can also be turned around if a man relapses or continues to struggle with addiction over time. He may be considered “weak” or “dangerous,” completely ignoring the effects that alcohol addiction can have on isolation from a person’s support system.
On the contrary, women with alcoholism often face harsher judgment and social condemnation in the initial seeking of addiction support. But once they’ve gone through the process of detox and treatment, they may encounter more support in living a sober lifestyle. Men may find that people expect them to be “cured” after attending treatment or undergoing medical detox. They may find it harder to develop a plan for success after rehab or to garner support for staying sober over time.
Co-Occurring Disorders in Men vs. Women
Men with alcohol addiction are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders such as antisocial personality disorder or conduct disorder. On the other hand, women with alcoholism often have a higher prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders. Alcoholism frequently co-occurs with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Of course, it should go without saying that most mental illnesses are not gender-bound, and patterns are not always a guarantee that one gender is universally exempt from having a particular mental health disorder.
It is important to note that societal and cultural factors can also influence the development and manifestation of co-occurring disorders in men and women. However, genetic predispositions and biological differences between men and women play a role in the development of co-occurring disorders. Research suggests that hormonal fluctuations in women, such as those during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can impact the severity of mood disorders when combined with alcohol addiction.
The Benefits of Gender-Specific Rehab For Alcoholism
Gender-specific rehabilitation programs have emerged as an effective approach to address the unique needs of men and women struggling with alcoholism. These programs recognize and address the different factors and experiences associated with alcohol addiction in each gender.
By providing a safe and supportive environment, gender-specific rehab programs allow individuals to discuss their experiences, concerns, and challenges openly. This encourages a sense of camaraderie and understanding among participants, promoting healing and recovery.
By providing a safe and supportive environment, gender-specific rehab programs allow individuals to discuss their experiences, concerns, and challenges openly. This encourages a sense of camaraderie and understanding among participants, promoting healing and recovery.
Additionally, gender-specific rehab programs often address the specific physical, psychological, and social issues that men and women face during the recovery process. By tailoring treatment plans to the unique needs of each gender, these programs increase the chances of successful long-term recovery.
One key aspect of gender-specific rehab programs is the focus on addressing underlying traumas and triggers that may contribute to alcohol addiction. For example, women may have different trauma responses compared to men, and a program tailored to women’s needs can provide a safe space to explore and heal from these traumas.
Recovery programs can incorporate holistic approaches to treatment, such as yoga therapy, reiki, or mindfulness practices. Some of these may resonate more with one gender over the other. Individuals may also feel more comfortable trying new modalities of therapy in the presence of other people of the same gender.
Heal From Alcoholism at Eagle Creek Recovery
Alcoholism affects individuals of all genders, but there are distinct differences in how it presents and impacts men and women. Here at Eagle Creek, we work to support men on their journey to recovery and all that that implies. We work to speak to men’s needs and experiences. Creating a safe space for men to heal from addiction, treat co-occurring mental disorders, and build better lives is our mission.
If you’re ready to begin your journey to recovery, contact us today at Eagle Creek Recovery.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
