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Signs of Alcoholism in Women Signs of Alcoholism the Face
Sheryl Kraft, a freelance writer and breast cancer survivor, was born in Long Beach, New York. She currently lives in Connecticut with her husband Alan and dog Chloe, where her nest is empty of her two sons Jonathan. Sheryl writes articles and essays on breast cancer and contributes to a variety of publications and websites where she writes on general health and wellness issues. Heavy drinking among women, defined as consuming four or more drinks within a couple of hours, went up by 41 percent in 2020.
Long-Term Health Risks and the Importance of Seeking Help
It can be hard for doctors to decide which patients to monitor for alcoholism as some signs and symptoms could be due to other illnesses. Menstruation may stop or become irregular due to alcohol use, or women may fall into an early menopause. The cravings to consume alcohol can be as strong as a need like hunger. This craving can lead to continued drinking despite serious health and legal problems. Overall, the combination of professional help, community support, and self-advocacy empowers women to reclaim their lives and move towards lasting sobriety.
Dehydration Risk
Listen to relatives, friends or co-workers when they ask you to examine your drinking habits or to seek help. Consider talking with someone who has had a problem with drinking but has stopped. However, for chronic drinkers, the repeated dilation of these blood vessels can lead to persistently bloodshot eyes. In addition to dehydration, alcohol’s impact on the immune system can lead to more severe skin problems.
Addiction Resources
If a woman tries to hide the fact she drinks frequently and in excess, or if she seems to be in denial about her drinking problem. Women who struggle with alcoholism oftentimes have a higher likelihood of struggling with menstruation issues. Alcoholic myopathy can affect appearance by decreasing muscle mass, making arms and legs appear thin and weak.
Medical Disclaimer
Women struggling with alcoholism can experience severe mood swings, shifting from extreme happiness to deep sadness or anger without a clear reason. These unpredictable and frequent mood changes can affect their relationships and daily functioning. Engaging in risky behaviors is a notable sign, as alcohol can lower inhibitions and lead to dangerous activities. Increased sensitivity and defensiveness when questioned about habits or behaviors can also indicate a problem, as women with alcoholism may react strongly to protect their drinking habits. This defensiveness can manifest in arguments, denial, or attempts to hide their drinking from others.
Mental Health and Loneliness
Weight fluctuations are also typical – initial weight gain from excess calories, followed by unhealthy weight loss as alcoholism progresses. Furthermore, the physical toll of alcoholism can be seen through the skin. Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause the blood vessels in the face to dilate, resulting in a flushed appearance. This redness is often accompanied by puffiness, giving the face a swollen and bloated appearance. Bloodshot eyes, another common physical sign of alcoholism, can be caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a reddened and irritated appearance.
Denying Our Mental Health: Why We Do It and How To Move Past It
Redness of the face is common as repeated drinking episodes put pressure on blood vessels causing them to enlarge. The brain physical signs of alcoholism in females cannot regulate the vascular system due to regular alcohol use, and blood vessels become inflamed or damaged. Additionally, alcoholics who try to quit may face intense withdrawal symptoms, which can be dangerous if not managed properly. The side effects of prolonged alcohol abuse, combined with these withdrawal challenges, highlight the critical need for medical intervention. Seeking help early can prevent further damage and improve the chances of recovery before the body’s systems are irreparably harmed.
- Unexplained bruises, frequent injuries, and diminished physical performance may also be signs of alcoholism.
- Behaviorally, individuals often take frequent breaks to smoke, become irritable when unable to smoke, and develop an increased tolerance over time.
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- That part of the brain can be affected permanently due to alcohol abuse, and accidental falls can occur sober or not.
- Sexual minority women especially bisexual women report higher rates of alcohol related problems than heterosexual women.
“When skin gets inflamed, it Substance abuse produces a condition called rosacea,” he said. Rosacea is characterized by redness on the face, and sometimes the ears, back, and chest. Now a clinical psychologist who works with people with addictions, Utter knows alcohol-use disorder falls on a spectrum. While some people with it do look like those bar patrons, many look perfectly healthy. Mindful drinking offers that middle ground where you’ll proactively improve your drinking habits without any pressure to quit.
For more on how to help someone struggling with addiction, check out how to support a friend who is in addiction recovery. Alcohol misuse poses significant health risks for women, affecting both physical and psychological well-being. Emotional instability, depression, anxiety, memory loss, and cognitive impairment are additional psychological signs that can exacerbate existing mental health conditions 5. It’s also important to educate yourself on addiction and how it affects women differently than men. By understanding the unique challenges and risks that women face with alcohol abuse, you can better support your loved ones in their journey toward recovery. Fortunately, there are now many different alcohol addiction treatment plans that help ease cravings.
