National statistics indicate that the number of American women suffering from substance use disorders is more than seven million. This includes women of all ages, races, economic backgrounds, and economic standings. Addiction can occur to anyone. And women are twice as likely as men as to develop a substance use disorder. But, you must understand the unique needs of women when it comes to addiction treatment.
To help your loved ones who are struggling with drug addiction, you might consider looking for a women’s treatment center. Most likely, you’re looking for a program that provides high-quality care, treats your loved one with respect, and is flexible to her individual needs. This is the definition and practice of effective addiction treatment. Yet, you may be wondering: “What exactly does she require?”
Women are biologically and socially very different to men than men. Substance addiction can affect them in very different ways. Their lives are different. This means that they will have different treatment and recovery requirements. For your loved one who is seeking rehabilitation, you must find a program that caters to her gender.
- Mental Health Services
- Trauma-Informed Caring
- A positive, women-only community
- A Safe Place to Heal
- Support and care based on your individual needs
Let’s look into each of them a bit further.
Mental Health Services
Women are especially vulnerable to mental disorders like anxiety, mood, and eating disorders. This is why these statistics are important. A third of women suffer from depression, compared to a quarter of men. Anxiety disorders are more common in women than in men. Eating disorders are twice as common among women. These disorders place them at higher risk for addiction and substance abuse, and vice versa.
44.9 million women in America are currently battling drug addiction. When someone has both a mental illness and a substance use disorder, it’s called dual diagnosis or concomitant disorder. It is a condition that requires specialized treatment.
Dual diagnosis treatment is designed for addiction and mental healthcare. In this setting, women can heal physically, emotionally, and mentally. They can discover the root cause of substance abuse and how it affects their anxiety, depression, and other negative thoughts. Negative self-image, broken relationships, emotional instability, and resistance to treatment can all result from unattended mental problems. There is also a greater chance for relapse if there is no dual diagnosis treatment. Females need to receive dual diagnosis treatment.
Trauma-Informed Caring
Trauma is a common problem among women in addiction. A study found that between 55-99 percent of women in drug rehab had a history of trauma. This could include a history of abuse or tragic events in a woman’s past. Reputable women’s centers will implement a Trauma-Informed Treatment model. This means they will have staff trained in trauma therapies to assist clients in resolving the deep-seated issues that haunt them. These programs help women feel at ease in treatment as well as in residencies. They will allow women to be heard, to make connections with women, and regain their trust. All of this can open doors to healing for those who have suffered trauma.
A Positive, Female-Only Society
As we have seen, women have different needs for their mental, physical and emotional health. Women are also more likely to use drugs than men for very specific reasons. Some women begin using drugs after a toxic relationship, in which they are abused by their partner, or because of the violence and abuse suffered from their male partner. Because of these experiences, women may be fearful or uncomfortable around people of the opposite gender. This is just one reason why gender-specific environments are so important for women.
Addiction women can feel supported and surrounded by women in recovery through gender-specific treatment They can make connections with other women who are going through similar experiences. They can meet and share with other women, in group therapy, topics related to female issues like trauma, family, children, pressure, and sexuality. A co-gender environment can cause women to be less open and may disrupt healing.
Safe Space For Healing
Safe and secure treatment environments are crucial to women’s recovery from trauma and abuse. The treatment setting should promote self-reflection, healing, and peace of mind. The treatment environment should be free from distractions, pressures, and temptations from the outside world. If women feel completely safe in their treatment, they will be more inclined to put their health first.
Support And Personalized Care
According to NIDA, no one treatment works for everyone. The best treatment addresses all aspects of a person’s life, not just their drug use. Your loved one’s recovery will be made easier by a customized, client-informed treatment plan. She will feel supported, accommodated, and actively involved in the process.
NIDA research also indicates that women in recovery benefit from treatment that meets all their basic requirements. The basic needs of women can include food, shelter, clothing, as well as parenting training, childcare, legal aid, job skills, and basic education. All of these will differ from one person to another. It is crucial to take into consideration the individual needs of your loved one and ensure that the treatment program you select can address those needs.
It is essential to search for programs that are tailored to the needs of women when researching addiction treatment.
