Alcohol Rehab for Women

Nearly a third of all alcohol abusers in the United States are women. While women have been shown to engage in heavy drinking less often than men, this is usually because the effects of alcohol begin sooner and last longer than in men. In this case, though, drinking less or less often doesn't mean the dangers have been reduced.

The Canyon offers luxurious accommodations designed to meet the unique needs of women in both drug and alcohol rehab. Private swimming pool, secluded meditation space, and a relaxing setting provide the foundation for reflection and healing. Organic nutrition tailored to specific dietary needs assists the body and mind in regaining essential strength and vitality during a turbulent time.

The Metabolism of Women and Alcohol Rehab

Less body water, higher fat deposits, and different digestive enzymes account for rapid elevation in blood alcohol levels among women. As a result, cirrhosis of the liver, brain damage and cancers develop at the same rates in female alcoholics compared with men who drink twice as much.

Additionally, blood alcohol levels fluctuate with hormonal shifts related to menstruation. The highest BAL's are found immediately prior to menstruation, while the lowest levels are found on the first day. This may explain why some women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome (and its distinguishing blood sugar instabilities) crave excessive alcohol use during this time.

Back to Top

Alcohol's Physical Effects on Women and the Need for Alcohol Rehab for Women

Liver Damage - Women develop alcohol-related liver disease sooner than men, even if using less of the drug. Some studies suggest estrogen may be linked to increased liver vulnerability.

Brain Damage - Alcoholic women show reduced brain function compared to both non-alcoholic women and alcoholic men. Again, this is in spite of less severe drinking habits.

Heart Disease - Frequent heavy drinking is the second-leading cause of malfunction of the heart. As with liver disease, similar rates of cardiomyopathy appear in women and men, even though lifetime consumption of alcohol among women is around 60 percent less than men.

Breast Cancer - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services now classifies alcohol as a known human carcinogen, not just a catalyst. The longer you drink, the greater your risk of developing cancerous tumors throughout your body.

Back to Top

Alcohol Rehab for Women: What The Research Says

Brain shrinkage (atrophy) is normally experienced as part of the natural aging process. Alcohol speeds up this process by depriving nerve cells of oxygen, a condition that results in blackouts from severe intoxication.

Researchers have observed the persistent shrinkage of brain matter in chronic alcoholics who consented to MRI and CT scans over a 5 year period. Areas most affected include those that process memories, integrate knowledge, and control coordination. Shrinkage significantly outpaced that of normal aging, and was found to be directly related to the amount of alcohol consumed.

Back to Top

How Age Affects Women in Alcohol Rehab

The majority of women who actively drink are between the ages of 26 and 34, while binge drinking is seen more often among females aged 18 to 25.

Even young people in great physical shape suffer the adverse effects of heavy drinking. Malnutrition and thiamine deficiencies are usually the first signs that something is amiss - no matter how well you eat. That's because the sulfites in alcohol break down thiamine which renders it useless for converting food into energy.

Dependence on alcohol in younger people shows the same beginning patterns of brain damage commonly documented among older alcoholics. Finally, higher rates of dementia are found among alcoholics who continue drinking as they get older.

Back to Top

Alcohol Rehab for Women at The Canyon

Women seem to be overlooked when it comes to definitive research regarding the dangers of alcohol. Alcohol treatment at The Canyon, however, recognizes the important physiological differences between men and women, and offers personalized treatment programs that adjust for the needs of each client.

The most important step in alcohol rehab is the first one. Fortunately, it's easy to get started at The Canyon - just pick up the phone and give us a call today at to get started.

Back to Top