Many people who drink have no problem doing so in moderation, perhaps having a glass of wine with dinner or at a family get-together. However, due to alcohol’s prevalence in our culture, some people rely on it as a coping mechanism. When alcohol use becomes a habit and your tolerance increases, you might start drinking more heavily to achieve the desired effects. Binge drinking is a severe health concern among all gender identities, but it may be especially problematic for women.

Binge Drinking Defined

What constitutes binge drinking? According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, binge drinking is when you consume enough alcohol in one sitting to bring your blood alcohol concentration to 0.08% or higher. For women, drinking four or more alcoholic beverages within two hours is generally enough to reach this threshold.

While men are more likely to drink excessively, binge drinking patterns are on the rise among women who use alcohol. The CDC reports that 13% of U.S. women admit to binge drinking four times a month, on average. 

Gender Differences in Addiction

Due to differences in metabolism and body chemistry, women typically have higher blood alcohol levels than men after drinking the same amount. Also, alcohol’s immediate effects usually occur more quickly and last longer for women. Women who habitually drink tend to progress from tolerance to addiction more quickly than men — a phenomenon called “telescoping.” All these effects add up to make women more vulnerable to the long-term adverse effects of binge drinking. 

Unfortunately, women struggling with alcohol use disorders may be less likely to seek treatment, perhaps due to barriers like cost, social stigma or the fear of losing their job or custody of their children. 

Health Problems Associated With Binge Drinking

Alcohol abuse links with an array of physical and mental health problems that can adversely impact your quality of life, including:

• Organ and tissue damage
• High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
• Cognitive decline and memory problems
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Some types of cancer
• Co-occurring mental health issues, like depression and anxiety
• Domestic violence 
• Legal and financial issues
• Weakened relationships

The Benefits of Women’s-Only Recovery

Many women who enter alcohol addiction recovery find gender-specific treatment programs provide a welcome break from the social pressures of everyday life. At Canyon Crossing, women can focus more exclusively on their sobriety with fewer stressors and distractions. In single-gender group therapy, you may feel more comfortable talking openly about sensitive issues like trauma, societal stigmas and intimate partner abuse.

If you have been binge drinking to deal with daily stressors, you can discover newfound freedom at our Arizona retreat for women. We are here to help you replace alcohol abuse with healthier coping mechanisms, so you can begin living a more fulfilling life. Addiction treatment programming tailored to women’s unique needs can help you learn to manage your illness and discover a brighter future. Reach out today for more information about our transitional living and outpatient treatment.