The Short and Long-Term Effects of Alcohol & Drug Abuse on Women's Health

The Short and Long-Term Effects of Alcohol & Drug Abuse on Women’s Health

Published On: April 15, 2024

Studies show that the immediate and long-term effects of drugs and alcohol last longer and are more severe in women than in men. When women are under the influence, they often experience more extreme health consequences as a result of hormonal and physiological differences.

Understanding Gender-Related Differences with Drug and Alcohol Abuse

While men are more likely to engage in drug and alcohol abuse than women are, women are just as susceptible to developing a substance use disorder (SUD). When it comes to gender-related differences in substance use, women are more vulnerable to cravings, relapse, and severe health issues. Gender characteristics, such as biological differences in body structure and chemistry, can also affect how substances are absorbed and metabolized in the body.

For women, drugs and alcohol typically take longer to absorb and metabolize the substances, potentially raising the side effects and risks. Women who excessively drink alcohol or abuse drugs are more susceptible to drug and alcohol-related diseases and health conditions, including liver disease, cognitive decline, heart damage, breast cancer, and organ damage.

The Short and Long-Term Effects of Substance Abuse on Women’s Health

The female body has a lower volume of body water and proportionately more body fat compared to men, resulting in higher concentrations of alcohol in the bloodstream. The effects of drugs and alcohol have a more profound impact on women’s health, both in the short and long term. Women are more receptive to experiencing alcohol intoxication, mental health disorders, cardiovascular disease, hepatitis B and C, and different types of cancers.

Immediate Effects of Drugs and Alcohol

The short-term effects of alcohol and drug abuse on women include a higher risk of accidents and injuries, mental health issues, and complications with sexual and reproductive health. With impaired judgment and coordination being the most common effects of substance abuse, women are at an increased risk of these consequences due to higher intoxication and slower reaction times. Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to risky or unusual behaviors, potentially increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Heavy alcohol consumption in women is also linked to irregular menstrual cycles, resulting in painful and irregular menstruation.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, women are three times more likely to experience mental health problems than men. While both genders are at risk for developing a mental health disorder from substance abuse, women are more susceptible to depression, PTSD, eating disorders, anxiety, and suicide. Women battling a substance use disorder (SUD) are likely to struggle with a mental health disorder, also known as a co-occurring disorder.

Long-Term Impact

The long-term impact of drugs and alcohol on women’s health can vary depending on the individual’s health as well as the duration and type of substance abuse. Chronic substance abuse can cause long-term damage to the brain, impairing cognitive functions and emotional regulation. Women are at a higher risk of alcohol-induced brain damage, including brain abnormalities and shrinkage, compared to men. Alcohol and drug-related diseases and chronic conditions are more common in women, including:

Heart disease
Liver disease
Cirrhosis of the liver
Diabetes
Breast cancer and other cancer types
Cardiovascular disease
Osteoporosis
Early development of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMG)
Hepatitis B and C
Lower bone mineral density (BMD)
Infertility
Early menopause

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) can impact vitamin D and calcium absorption, resulting in reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and an even higher risk of osteoporosis in women. Prolonged alcohol and drug abuse in women can lead to severe reproductive health issues, such as:

Early menopause
Pregnancy complications
Miscarriage
Infertility
Impaired fetal growth and development
Fetal alcohol syndrome

Long-term drug and alcohol abuse in women can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or lead to the development of chronic mental illnesses. Mental disorders that commonly co-occur with SUDs are anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Tailored Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction in Women

Tailoring drug rehab treatment programs for women battling addiction allows for the differentiation in gender-specific biological, psychological, and social factors. Drug and alcohol rehab for women is tailored to their unique conditions and needs, ensuring they receive adequate care and recovery support. Our South Florida drug rehab offers individualized addiction treatment programs for women battling drug or alcohol abuse.

Our drug and alcohol programs recognize the unique challenges women face that can impact their substance use and recovery process. Women with a history of trauma, particularly physical or sexual abuse, are provided a safe and supportive environment for addiction recovery and emotional healing. Our integrative treatment services take a holistic approach to addressing addiction and promoting women’s mental and physical wellness. Through a holistic addiction treatment plan, women undergo individual counseling, mindfulness techniques, art therapies, aromatherapy, and same-sex group therapy.

Our drug rehab in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, acknowledges the need for tailored treatment programs for women. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and needs drug rehab today—reach out now!