Addiction Treatment for Women

Addiction Treatment for Women
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1-877-345-8494

Women who develop an alcohol or drug addiction generally do so for different reasons than men. Therefore, it stands to reason that addiction treatment for women should differ as well. The following information provides an overview of why women become addicted, how their circumstances are unique, and what needs to be done in order to help them receive effective treatment for their addiction.

Because the number of women addicted to alcohol, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, Vicodin, OxyContin and other substances will always make up a smaller percentage of the total number of addicts in the world, their needs tend to go underserved in the recovery community. As a result of this, plus the stigma attached to women addicted to drugs or alcohol, many individuals go a lifetime without receiving proper treatment.

In order to combat this lack of understanding, it is important to know the reasons why many women develop addictions.

Why Women become Addicted to Drugs and Alcohol

There are several distinct gender differences between the causes of addiction in women as opposed to men. These facts provide an interesting insight into the social and psychological reasons why women engage in substance abuse. Consider the following facts:

  • Women are more likely to become addicted to drugs and alcohol if their parents or other close relatives had drug problems or suffered from alcoholism.
  • Women are more likely to be introduced to drugs and alcohol by a spouse or significant other.
  • Women’s alcohol and drug addiction is more likely to be tied to depression and self-esteem issues than men’s.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, from a physiological point of view, women who engage in substance abuse are, due to their metabolism, much more likely than men to move from recreational drug and alcohol use into addiction.

Effective Addiction Treatment for Women

Research has found that women respond better to certain types of addiction treatment. Specifically, those programs that focus on the root causes for addiction in women tend to enjoy the most success. These programs include:

  • Counseling that focuses on potential physical or sexual abuse in the woman’s past.
  • Counseling for co-dependent couples where both individuals have developed an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
  • Counseling and related programs geared to help mothers protect their children during recovery -and maintain their place as the primary caregiver in the family.

The importance of this last point cannot be understated. Study after study has shown that many women do not seek out help for their addiction because they are afraid of losing their children. The best addiction treatment programs for women take this fear into consideration and do everything they can to maintain the mother-child bond during after rehab.

At Michael’s House, women who are struggling with addiction can receive the help they need to break free from self-esteem issues and other root causes of their problems. The kind, knowledgeable staff at Michael’s House is skilled at providing the right kind of treatment for women and their families. Contact Michael’s House today at 1-877-345-8494 in Palm Springs, California, for more information about their top-notch care.