Everyone has different problems and needs in addiction treatment. Recognizing and addressing those needs is the key to a successful recovery. There are many factors that influence what you need from treatment, including addiction history, co-occurring disorders, health issues, and family situation. One important factor is whether you are male or female. Here are some issues women are more likely to face in addiction and treatment.
Women form addictions faster.
Something strange emerges from substance use statistics: Men use illicit substances at about twice the rate of women, yet the rate of substance use issues is about the same for both. The reason appears to be that women develop addictions much more quickly. This happens for several reasons. One reason is that women are smaller on average, meaning that one drink or one dose has a proportionally greater impact. On top of this, there are physiological differences in the ways men and women process alcohol and other drugs. Women’s stomachs and livers tend to process alcohol less efficiently than men’s, leading to a faster rise in blood alcohol content. One drink for a woman is comparable to two drinks for a man. The same is true to some extent for others drugs too. For example, women are thought to be more sensitive to the rewarding effects of stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Women are also more likely than men to use stimulants to get more energy and lose weight, which can lead to dependence and addiction.
Substance use is worse for women’s health.
Unfortunately, women also suffer worse health consequences from substance use, especially from alcohol and stimulants. Women develop problems such as liver disease much more quickly than men do and women with alcohol use disorders are almost twice as likely to die from alcohol related issues. Women are also more sensitive to the negative effects of cocaine on the cardiovascular system. Women who use heroin are more likely than men to die within the first few years of use, possibly because women are more likely to be on other medications that interact badly.
Women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence.
About one third of women have been victims of domestic violence, including being pushed, slapped, raped, beaten, or choked by a partner. Domestic violence is a major risk factor for chronic health conditions including chronic pain, depression, and substance use. The trauma of abuse and any mental health issues that might have resulted from it need to be addressed for addiction treatment to be effective.
Pregnancy and childcare can complicate recovery.
Using drugs while pregnant can have a number of negative consequences including miscarriage, premature birth, low birthweight, and developmental issues in the baby. If you become pregnant while addicted to drugs or alcohol, it’s crucial to get treatment as soon as possible. However, if you are addicted to opioids, the physical stress of detox can cause a miscarriage and other problems, so typically, it’s better to go on medication assisted treatment like methadone or suboxone rather than quit completely. The baby may have to go through withdrawal after birth, but that’s often the least bad option. If you become pregnant, make sure your doctor knows about your addiction history. Another issue for many women is not wanting to get treatment because they already have kids. They may fear losing custody if they admit to having a substance use issue, or they may just fear the stigma of looking like a bad mother. Women who do want treatment often have to figure out who can take care of their kids during one to three months of residential treatment. They may have to choose intensive outpatient treatment, even if they need residential treatment, and try to make the best of it.
Codependency is often an issue.
One reason men are more likely to use illicit drugs than women is that some of the stigma against women using drugs still persists. Women are less likely to tell their friends they use drugs and less likely to get drugs from friends. Instead, women who use drugs are more likely to start using with a partner. This makes treatment more complicated. It’s harder to stay sober if your partner still uses. What’s more, these relationships are often codependent, where one person habitually enables the other. Many women in codependent relationships are so used to putting their partners’ needs first that they aren’t even aware of their own needs and desires. This issue has to be addressed in family and individual therapy for treatment to be successful.
Connection is key.
One major advantage women have over men in addiction recovery is that tend to be better at social connection. This is an asset in several aspects of recovery–asking for help, opening up in therapy, and forming a strong sober network during and after treatment. Having a strong sober network is one of best predictors of success and making those connections is often easier for women than for men. Often, lack of connection is what leads to addiction in the first place. Removing those barriers and finding positive connection makes a big difference. This can happen through alumni networking, or through attending mutual aid meetings, such as SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, or a 12-step program. When these social needs are met, women often recover more quickly than men, who tend to struggle with engagement and making new friends.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental illness, we can help. Recovery Ways is a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have the resources to effectively treat a dual diagnosis. Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible substance abuse treatment to as many people as possible. Request information online or call us today at 1-888-986-7848
