Addiction is a long-lasting medical condition that can strike anyone. Do women experience addiction in the same way as males do? Naturally, they do. Race, social class, gender, and age are not barriers to addiction.
These factors have an impact on how and why people use drugs as well as how addiction manifests itself, but they do not render anyone immune or prevent anyone else from recovering. Despite their strength, women are nonetheless susceptible to addiction. They have special treatment needs, but they can recover and have happy, healthy lives.
Among women, the opioid epidemic is spreading
We don’t hear much about how opioids directly affect women, but whether you’re one of the many women battling an addiction to opioids or other drugs, or if you’ve gone through a health crisis, you’re not fighting this battle alone. According to the Office on Women’s Health, heroin deaths among women increased at a rate that was more than twice as high as that of men between 1999 and 2015. Between that time period, the rate of deaths from prescription opioid overdoses among women increased by 471%, compared to just 218% among men (OWH). Every year, 1 more women battle opioid addiction, a battle that can have catastrophic repercussions if it isn’t handled with the proper professional assistance.
Why Are Women Affected by Opioid Effects More Severely Than Men?
young female student who is sad Unfortunately, overdose and addiction to opioids are very common in women. According to ABC News, “Middle-aged women receive twice as many opioid prescriptions as middle-aged males, putting them particularly susceptible to opioid misuse.” 2 Women have simpler and more frequent access to painkillers, which is one explanation for this. Instead of providing them with individualized care and other treatment choices, a doctor can simply hand them a prescription. Risk factors include having easy access to opioids and thinking of them as a panacea for all physical and mental health issues.
What is the connection between mental health and addiction?
Women particularly require immediate attention and assistance because addictions are rarely isolated issues. While struggling with opioid addiction, many women experience trauma, anxiety, and sadness. As many as 6 out of 10 substance abusers also have at least one other mental condition, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. 3 Women experience these issues more frequently than males. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that there are gender disparities in the prevalence of somatic symptoms, sadness, and anxiety. These problems, which are more common in women, affect roughly 1 in 3 residents of the town and pose a severe public health issue.
What is the connection between mental health and addiction?
Women particularly require immediate attention and assistance because addictions are rarely isolated issues. While struggling with opioid addiction, many women experience trauma, anxiety, and sadness. As many as 6 out of 10 substance abusers also have at least one other mental condition, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. 3 Women experience these issues more frequently than males. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that there are gender disparities in the prevalence of somatic symptoms, sadness, and anxiety. These problems, which are more common in women, affect roughly 1 in 3 residents of the town and pose a severe public health issue.
How Effective Is Treatment for Women?
Like everyone else, women must obtain individualized, comprehensive care, but once they identify the facilities that give it, they may start the process of healing. Take a look at Michael’s House’s statistics, for instance. Months after residential treatment has concluded, women who have had addiction treatment are less likely to drink or use drugs. Numerous women also mentioned improving their family connections, feeling healthier physically, and experiencing fewer medical issues. Additionally, their view on life and mental health improved.
How can we get help for addiction?
Women improve when given the proper care. But how do they acquire the assistance they require, particularly if it seems far away or unavailable? How does she get compassionate, efficient care? How can she put her obligations and worries aside so that she may deal with these problems more effectively and long-term? First, resist feeling defeated before you even begin. The moment you start, everything starts to fall into place.
Calling our hotline at 760-548-4032 to speak with an admissions coordinator about Michael’s House can be the first step. Within our Women’s Program, we provide integrated treatment adapted to a woman’s particular recovery needs.