Substance abuse and addiction does not discriminate, it affects men and women alike. However, women experience addiction much differently than men do. Generally speaking, a woman’s addiction tends to progress faster than a man’s, they have different needs during treatment, and women face different challenges in recovery. Here at Restore Health and Wellness Center we recognize these differences and develop specialized women’s addiction treatment programs accordingly.
Traditionally, men have shown higher rates of substance abuse and addiction, but women are quickly closing this gap. According to a 2014 study released by SAMHSA, 15.8 million (12.9 percent) of women over 18 have used illegal drugs in the past year. When considering the percentage of alcohol abuse and dependency among women, both young and middle-aged women are close to on-par with the percentages of men. Bearing in mind the increase in substance abuse rates among women it is vital that women are not only treated, but they have access to the specialized care offered at Restore. Understanding the gender differences among men and women is only one of the first steps to long-term sobriety.
Just some of the unique challenges faced by women in substance abuse treatment include:
- Women’s Addictions Progress Fasters than Men’s:
Physiological differences between men and women explain why a woman’s addiction will typically occur more rapidly, and it has nothing to do with women being the weaker sex. For example, males’ bodies and females’ bodies process alcohol, and many other substances, differently. When a woman consumes alcohol she cannot break it down as quickly. When compared with men, women have less of the stomach enzyme that breaks down alcoholic beverages. This causes greater blood alcohol concentration. In addition to this, women naturally have more fatty tissue, making it easier for alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream. One drink for the average woman could have twice the impact as it does on men. Due to this, the female brain and other organs are exposed to the harmful effects of alcohol for much longer periods of time, causing a women’s brain chemistry to change at an accelerated rate when compared to her male counterparts.
- Women Face Different Challenges in Rehab and Recovery:
There is a negative stigma associated with addiction, regardless of your individual background. Yet, this stigma can be stronger when related to women. Women are expected to be mothers and caregivers- society portrays them differently than men. Therefore, there is a great deal of guilt, fear, and shame that prevents women from getting the help they need for their excessive drinking or drug abuse problem. In many circumstances, women cannot get the help they need due to family obligations or financial struggles. They typically make lower wages than men and may fear losing custody of a child should they accept the help.
- Women Require Specialized Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs:
Programs that target genders specifically are known to be beneficial for both men and women- especially women. Women’s addiction treatment programs oftentimes incorporate eating disorder treatment, food addiction, trauma, such as sexual assault, hormonal concerns, and other mental or behavioral health issues that are more commonly associated with women.
Women respond best to supportive addiction treatment. As stated earlier, there is more guilt and shame associated with women in recovery. Therefore, it is vital for addiction professionals and clinical staff to be non-judgmental when coaching a woman through treatment. Breaking a woman down will not help her find sobriety, because she was likely broken down before entering treatment. Relationships are a woman’s biggest motivator- a sense of belonging and connection encourages them to succeed.
At Restore Health and Wellness Center we understand that a woman’s needs in terms of addiction treatment are different than a man’s. Our women’s rehabilitation programs focus on self-reliance, self-respect, self-care, building empowerment, and learning to trust oneself, as opposed to blindly looking to others. We build women back up at Restore.
Ongoing Addiction Recovery Issues Experienced by Women
Most addicts will struggle with the thought of relapse years after their time in treatment has come to an end. This is not a sign that you have failed in recovery, it is a sign that you must actively work to maintain your new lifestyle. One way in which to work through these issues is to identify and recognize your potential relapse triggers should they arise. Relapse triggers that are more prominent among women than men include, but are not limited to, mental health issues, concerns about one’s physical appearance, aging, grief and loss, complacency, and self-sabotage. Aftercare programs for women should involve a connection with others, as well as maintaining an attitude of openness, willingness, and honesty with oneself.
Recover in Restores Women’s Addiction Treatment Programs
Women generally recover faster than men. The process of recovery is more natural for women because they are more willing to be open and accepting. After all, connection is a major foundation for a successful recovery, and women are wired for it.
Addiction is an incredibly isolating disease. When a woman begins to lose touch with herself, and those she loves most, it can be difficult for her to turn her life around. Fortunately, the dedicated nurses, doctors, therapists, and clinical staff at Restore encourage women to form new connections and repair damaged ones with those they love most. For more information about the women’s programs offered at Restore dial an addiction counselor today at (888) 979-4570 or visit our addiction treatment center in Thousand Oaks, CA at 6918 Owensmouth Ave Canoga Park, CA 91303. 24/7 Admissions (818) 722-9019. On-Site Contact (818) 806-3914. Freedom from addiction awaits.
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