Women don't handle alcohol like men

"Research shows that women often can match men drink for drink, the effects on their bodies are dramatically more dangerous.  Neurologically, alcohol affects women more quickly and severely than men, compromising self-control, judgment and emotions.

"The CDC [Center for Disease Control] also says female binge drinkers--those consuming four or more drinks within two hours--can experience anxiety, depression and memory loss as the brain cells shrink.  They also have a 39 percent higher risk for stroke as heart muscles are weakened. 

"Alcohol consumption -- a July 2012 Gallup poll shows 44 percent of Americans drink alcohol regularly, and 22 percent admit they sometimes imbibe more than they should.

"A Mayo Clinic study of 9,032 women found that women who had close relatives with breast cancer and were daily drinkers had double the risk of breast cancer, compared to those who never drank.  Even moderate drinkers had an increased risk for breast cancer, according to a Harvard Medical School study of 105,986 women."  - Joyce Davis Reporter-Herald April 21, 2013

There is a lot of evidence of alcohol is not good for humans, but now there is evidence that the effect on women is even more harmful.  Using alcohol as a coping methods can be unhealthy for your body and your brain.

Renee Madison, MA, LPC, CSAT is a counselor in Colorado.  She can be reached for appointments at 303-257-7623 or 970-324-6928