The process of recovery will look different for each patient, depending on a wide range of factors. These can include age, race, economic class, and gender. What works for person A may be detrimental to person B. It is for this reason that addiction treatment for women should be tailored to the unique challenges they may face due to their gender.
Non-supportive “Support System”
Who an addict surrounds themselves with can have a severe effect on their ability to maintain their sobriety. While it is more common for women to have a larger social circle, that won’t guarantee its members are aware of how destructive a relapse really is. A celebratory dinner can be nice but offering a drink to a recovering alcoholic is one of the worst things a person can do.
Undiagnosed Mental Illness
Studies have shown a clear link between mental illness and substance abuse. In past years, many people, especially women, would be diagnosed with bouts of hysteria, while the fact they had a drinking problem went undiscovered. The same can be said in opposing situations. Thorough consideration should be given to both possibilities to craft the most effective treatment plan.
Intimacy Challenge
Many recovering female addicts may notice a significant decrease in their ability to enjoy sex. A person’s libido will shift depending on the chemical properties in the brain, meaning if a woman is used to having sex while intoxicated, it will be harder for her to do so when sober.
Physiological Factors
Women’s bodies convert substances, particularly alcohol, differently than men. This is due to the presence of more fatty tissue and less stomach enzymes typical of the female anatomy. This will increase the blood alcohol concentration, meaning a drink ingested by a woman will have twice the effect as if a man was enjoying it.
Milestones in Recovery
Reaching one year of sobriety can feel like both a blessing and a curse. It is certainly something worth celebrating, but many women make the mistake of assuming it means they completely have their addiction under control. Despite their achievement, a single drink will set that clock back. While they still possess the lessons they learned, it is a slippery slope that can lead back to excessive dependencies.
Fear of Judgment
For pregnant women struggling with addiction, getting help may seem even more daunting. While addiction will always influence the lives of the addicts’ loved ones, the prospect of pregnancy takes this to a whole other level. Treatment may be the wake-up call pregnant women with addiction are running from, as it is no longer just causing damage to their bodies. It is more important than ever in these cases that help is sought out. Our Pennsylvania rehab offers specialized programs for pregnant women in need of treatment.
We Understand Women’s Recovery
At Clearbrook, we take pride in our ability to recognize the individual needs of each of our patients. Our detox in PA is an excellent option for women looking to manage their withdrawal symptoms in a safe and supportive environment.
Call Clearbrook at 570-536-9621 for more information on our Northeast addictions treatment center and options for addiction treatment for women.
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