Alcohol + Women

via sharecare.com

1. Women take longer to metabolize alcohol than men. This means that a small amount of alcohol can have a greater effect on a woman.
2. Woman binge drink because of mental health issues, including feeling overwhelmed.
3.  Excessive drinking can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
4. Binge drinking may impinge judgment, resulting in having unprotected sex. Women who binge drink are at higher risk for unintended pregnancy and exposure to sexually transmitted diseases.
5.  Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder may be prevented if women abstain from drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Since a woman may not know she is pregnant, she should abstain from drinking alcohol if she is trying to get pregnant. No amount of alcohol consumption is safe while pregnant.
6.  Heavy drinking is more risky for women. Because women generally weigh less than men, their brains are exposed to more of the byproducts of alcohol.
7.  Alcohol does not mix well with machines or automobiles. Do not attempt to do any activity that requires concentration, coordination or skill when imbibing alcohol.
8.  There are some heart health benefits from moderate alcohol consumption -- mainly for women over 55 years of age. Talk to your doctor.
9. As little as one drink a day can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer for some women. If you have a family history of breast cancer, discuss the risks with your doctor.
10. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can result in lower birth weights and changes in facial features. No amount of alcohol is safe for pregnant women.
11. Children born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can have long-term learning problems. If there is a chance you could be pregnant, you should abstain from alcohol.
12. A heavy drinker is more prone to becoming dependent on alcohol. If you can drink all your friends under the table, this could be a red flag.
13. Women are more likely to die of cirrhosis of the liver than men.
14. Alcoholism may cause decreased brain function. The abuse of alcohol can change the function of brain cells.
15. Studies show a link to breast cancer and digestive track cancer. If you drink alcohol, follow the guidelines for consumption.
16. Drunk driving is a leading cause of teen deaths. Although drinking under age 21 is illegal in the U.S., many teens still drink -- and drive.
17. Dependence on alcohol is a disease that ruins lives.
18. Alcoholism is characterized by the inability to stop drinking, strong cravings for alcohol and the need for increasing quantities of alcohol to get drunk.
19. If a woman's partner drinks excessively, it is more likely she will also drink excessively.
20. Having parents with alcohol problems or a history of sexual abuse can increase the likeliness of a woman's drinking heavily as an adult.