There is a dramatic connection between alcohol and weight gain or the menstrual cycle in women. Modern science is still discovering many facts about the adverse effects of alcohol on women’s bodies. Call 833.754.0554 to speak with someone from the knowledgeable and compassionate team at Women’s Recovery in Colorado about how alcohol affects physical appearance—particularly the effects of alcohol on skin and aging—and how our women’s alcohol addiction treatment program can help stop or even reverse some of these effects as you overcome alcohol use disorder (AUD).
How Does Alcohol Affect Physical Appearance?
Alcohol is known for impacting physical appearance in the short and long term. In the short term, drinking can lead to redness in the face or skin—also known as “alcohol flush”—and puffiness around the eyes and face due to water retention. In addition, alcohol has been linked to slowed reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination—all of which can affect physical appearances in social settings.
Effects of Alcohol on Skin and Aging
The effects of alcohol on the skin go beyond immediate flush or puffiness—it can also cause premature aging over time. Studies suggest that drinking alcohol increases inflammation in the body, which can cause wrinkles to appear prematurely. Furthermore, chronic heavy drinking may increase your risk of developing rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness and swelling in some regions of the face.
Alcohol and Weight Gain in Women
Alcohol is one factor among many regarding weight gain—but it does play a role nonetheless. Alcoholic beverages contain empty calories that provide no nutritional benefits but do contribute significantly to overall calorie intake if consumed regularly or in large quantities. Furthermore, binge drinking—having five or more drinks per occasion—may lead to increased snacking due to hunger stimulation caused by excessive alcohol consumption. This combination of empty calories and increased snacking can lead to rapid weight gain.
Alcohol and Menstrual Cycle in Women
Finally, alcohol consumption has been linked to changes in menstrual cycle length. Studies suggest that women who drink alcohol regularly:
- Experience a difference in the length of their cycles
- May have irregular periods
- May have reduced fertility rates
- Suffer from an increased risk of miscarriage
It is crucial for women who wish to become pregnant to limit alcohol intake as much as possible—and refrain from consuming alcohol while pregnant. Doing the latter may result in fetal alcohol syndrome, a severe condition that can cause physical and mental disabilities in infants.
Other Effects of Alcohol on Women’s Bodies
As if all this weren’t bad enough, alcohol has also been linked to an increased risk for certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer. Finally, excessive drinking can damage vital organs like your liver, kidneys, heart, and brain—leading to organ failure if left untreated for too long.
What to Expect from Alcohol Addiction Treatment
If you feel like your relationship with alcohol is out of control or causing severe health problems, it may be time to seek professional help from an addiction treatment program. While the goal of programs like this is to overcome addiction, they also inevitably lead to improved overall health and better physical appearance in women and men.
At Women’s Recovery in Colorado, our alcohol addiction treatment program is designed to help women recover physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our knowledgeable and compassionate team of professionals provides evidence-based outpatient approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Colorado at Women’s Recovery
The effects that alcohol abuse has on physical appearance are far-reaching—from facial flushing and puffiness after just one drink up to premature aging symptoms caused by chronic heavy drinking. Fortunately, there are ways for women struggling with AUD to seek professional help tailored to their needs. Contact Women’s Recovery today at 833.754.0554 to learn more.
