Alcohol abuse among women is a growing problem in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over ten percent of women who drink do so in excess. This can lead to serious health issues and destroy relationships with friends and family. Individual women may drink for a variety of reasons; however, if you are a woman at risk for developing a dependency on drinking, you should be aware of several common factors that may trigger alcohol abuse.
1. Stress
While too much stress can lead to a variety of health problems, it is also a major cause of alcohol abuse and dependency in women. Managing a household, raising children, and working full time can put a great deal of stress on you as a woman and if you lack other outlets for your stress, you may turn to booze at the end of the day to calm your nerves or to help you unwind. However, when one drink turns into three or more in one evening, every evening, this can form a dependency.
You can avoid turning to alcohol at the end of the day by discovering healthier options to alleviate your stress. Try journaling, coloring with your kids, or create a bathtub ritual that allows you to take long, stress-killing soaks at the end of the day.
2. Loneliness
You might believe that alcohol abuse only happens to women who are single and lonely. However, many women who are married and lead what seem to be fulfilling lives often feel lonely and isolated from the woman they used to be, especially when they take on other roles that label them: mother, caregiver, wife, businesswoman. The more this sense of loneliness grows, the more they might turn to alcohol to numb it. If this sounds familiar to you, it may be time to turn inward and rediscover the person you are instead of turning outward toward that bottle of wine.
3. A Lack of Support
Whether you are single, dating, or married, the lack of a dependable support system can be devastating when it comes to avoiding alcohol abuse. When close friends and family members fail to support you, this may tempt you to drink too much instead of being able to discuss issues that might drive you to drink in excess.
A sound support system can mean the difference between continuing down the road to alcoholism and long-term mental and emotional stability. If you cannot find support in within your immediate circle, consider contacting alcohol treatment centers to find support groups and other resources that can help you address your growing addiction to alcohol.
4. Mood Disorders
Women face a variety of health issues that can impact their moods, such as thyroid disease, reproductive health problems, and mental and emotional disorders like depression and anxiety. Any of these issues can affect your thinking and how you make daily decisions, including whether to drink in excess. Since these disorders can exacerbate alcoholism, they should be addressed as soon as possible.
The challenges that face you as a woman can sometimes seem difficult to conquer. However, trying to overcome your problems with alcohol can destroy your life, and understanding what might trigger alcoholism can help you avoid it at all costs.