National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

How are women more affected by alcohol compared to men?

1. They have higher success in recovery

2. They are more sensitive to its effects

3. They experience it as a positive social enhancer

4. They tend to be less likely to abuse it

The correct answer is: They are more sensitive to its effects

Women are often more sensitive to the effects of alcohol compared to men due to several physiological and biological factors. This increased sensitivity can be attributed to differences in body composition, such as having a higher percentage of fat and lower water content. Since alcohol is water-soluble, this means that women may reach higher blood alcohol concentrations than men after consuming the same amount of alcohol. Furthermore, hormonal differences and metabolic variations can influence how alcohol is processed in the body. Understanding this sensitivity is crucial because it impacts the risks associated with alcohol use, including a greater likelihood of developing health issues, such as liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and alcohol dependence, at lower levels of consumption. The recognition of this sensitivity underscores the need for tailored approaches in treatment and prevention strategies for substance use disorders among women.