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Addiction Recovery Programs for Women Only

Jun 12

In addition to treating substance abuse, a high-quality women's addiction recovery program will help women overcome underlying issues that fuel their addiction. These issues are often unresolved, and trauma-informed treatment will give these women the tools they need to live fulfilling post-treatment lives. Physiological differences between men and women make it more difficult for women to process alcohol and drugs. This article explores the importance of gender-specific treatment for addiction and the impact it can have on family and social relationships.

Physiological differences between men and women make it harder for women to process alcohol

Despite the fact that women suffer more health-related effects and more problems related to substance abuse than men, they tend to seek treatment for these issues in more specialized programs. Furthermore, women often lose control of their drinking habits more quickly and experience more severe consequences than men do. However, recent studies have found that women and men are increasingly similar when it comes to substance abuse patterns. While the numbers are similar, women still make up about one-third of the population with alcohol-related problems.

Although both genders are susceptible to alcohol abuse, men continue to abuse alcohol at much higher rates. Alcohol abuse in women is believed to cause more damage than in men because of lower tolerance levels in women. It's also believed that women's drinking is related to quelling emotional pain and social pressure, while men's drinking is often driven by social pressure and the desire to be seen as the "cool" guy.

woman speaking with counselor at womens substance abuse treatment center

Female addicts are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders

Research indicates that female addicts are more likely to suffer from coexisting disorders than men. This is because they have greater challenges navigating the system of addiction treatment. Women are also less likely to receive treatment than men, and they may have to balance work, home and family responsibilities in addition to addiction. But women in treatment are just as likely to complete treatment as men. Women may need special services to better address their specific needs, such as trauma and family therapy.

Despite their increased risk of addiction, women tend to use substances after they have been exposed to a traumatic or mood disorder. As a result, women are more likely to self-medicate with alcohol, nicotine or other substances, such as pain relievers. Women are also more likely to abuse prescription medications than men, which can lead to accidental addiction.

Gender-specific treatment reduces relapse rates

While a woman's addiction is more challenging than a man's, there are still a number of ways to help a woman recover. In the field of addiction recovery, gender-specific treatment is one such option. Women in gender-specific programs are given the tools and support necessary to help them make better decisions. These programs also focus on the most effective addiction treatment for women.

The reason for this is obvious: women are more likely to become addicted to certain drugs and alcohol than men are. Furthermore, women experience different biological effects and may face different barriers to recovery. Because of these differences, women often feel more comfortable seeking treatment in programs that are specifically designed for them. Also, women typically become dependent on addictive substances more quickly than men and experience more difficulty quitting. Furthermore, their addictions often involve other problems, such as motherhood.

Impact on family and social relationships

The recommendations of the Governor's Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Abuse include expanding treatment for addiction among pregnant women. These programs offer an array of clinical and non-clinical services. Some include peer specialists and recovery coaches. Some also provide coordination services, including transportation, child care, and housing. Some provide employment training and parenting education, and others include links to financial aid.

In addition to reducing relapse, many women's addiction recovery programs for women are focused on supporting and rebuilding family relationships. In the long term, addiction is harmful to both the addict and the family members. It can erode trust between spouses and children, and can even cause marriages to fail. Some providers are trying to address this issue by working with state and federal regulators.

The Southern California Alcohol and Drug Programs offers residential treatment for low-income women of color. MFI Recovery Centers offer treatment services for a larger population, while focusing on women and their families. Statistically, the number of overdoses in the state was 16.9 per 100,000 people in 2016, which is nearly double the rate in 2010.