ER Visits on the Rise for Women Drinkers

Most people who drink do so in moderation and follow certain rules that ensure the safety of themselves and others. There are some, however, who overdo it. Enough of this behavior can lead to an alcohol use disorder. One recent study reveals that there has been an increase in the number of alcohol-related emergency room visits, particularly among women. Fortunately, there is qualified help available at a Florida alcohol rehab.

Study Reveals Increase in ER Visits by Women Drinkers

A recent study published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, reveals that there has been a marked increase in the number of women visiting emergency rooms for alcohol-related issues. In this study, researchers reviewed millions of ER visit records across the U.S. between 2006 and 2014.

Over this nine-year period, the study found that ER visits related to alcohol increased 61.6 percent. This was despite the fact that alcohol consumption per capita went up just 2 percent and total ER visits over that period jumped only 8 percent. When the researchers looked at women only, the figures were even more staggering.

In 2009, women accounted for 947,173 visits to the ER for alcohol-related issues. By 2014, that figure had soared to 1,609,320, an increase of 69.9 percent. The largest increase among women was in the 25-34 and 55-64 age groups.

Why Are Women Having More Problems With Alcohol?

The jump in these numbers indicates that something has changed, although researchers are not entirely sure about the cause. Surprisingly, many of the visits were by young women who needed medical attention for issues related to chronic drinking. This includes alcohol withdrawal, liver damage, and other serious medical concerns.

One reason that this could be occurring is that greater equality in the workplace has become a catalyst for increased alcohol consumption. Women may drink more when attending work functions or even to deal with work-related stress. Binge drinking in women and also among older adults is another growing issue.

The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse Among Women

Alcohol does not affect women the same as men. What research reveals about women and alcohol use disorder is not encouraging. Alcohol can affect women more quickly and have a greater impact on health than with a man since a woman’s ratio of body water to fat is lower than a man’s.

One study on the brains of alcoholics revealed that women who had been abstinent for at least three weeks show a loss of up to 11 percent of brain matter compared to non-alcoholic women and men who also abused alcohol. Other unique ways that women are affected by alcohol abuse include a higher risk of serious diseases and health concerns. These include:

• Breast cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Early menopause
• High blood pressure and heart disease
• Infertility and miscarriage

Get Help at a Florida Alcohol Rehab

If you are struggling with alcoholism, you do not have to fight this battle alone. Just as alcohol can impact women differently than men, addiction recovery is unique as well. The Orlando Recovery Center understands this and makes sure that each client receives the compassionate care and treatment he or she needs and deserves.

Our Florida alcohol rehab can help you through detox and then transition into the treatment program that best suits your needs. Contact us now to speak with someone about your admissions options.