When learning about addiction in women, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. For a long time, addiction in women was rarely discussed and poorly researched. There are many reasons for this. One of the reasons is fear of judgment, which leaves many women unwilling to volunteer for studies. Another is the historical mistreatment of women in the medical sciences. This involved several decades where women’s pain was dismissed or written off as “hysteria.” With the advent of the modern era, professionals are working hard to close the gap and provide the care needed to treat addiction in women.
One way this is being done is to debunk the myths surrounding addiction in women and provide answers to common questions. Addiction treatment facilities, such as Painted Desert Recovery, are at the forefront of de-stigmatizing mental health disorders and treatment. The goal is to encourage women everywhere to seek help without worrying about shame or fear. Of course, it will take time before we have a fully inclusive society, but change begins by asking questions. Here are five common questions typically asked about addiction in women.
#1. What Is the Cause of Addiction in Women?
Many things can cause addiction in women, but the following are considered the most common causes. According to the Journal of Pain, women experience pain more intensely and frequently, often requiring higher doses of medication to feel relief. Many pain relief medications, such as opiates, are highly addictive, which can cause dependency. Women also face high rates of trauma, especially sexual and interpersonal violence.
They are also twice as likely to struggle with depression and anxiety, which are both mental health disorders with high rates of self-medication. Stress is also a common cause of substance abuse in women. Alcohol is also heavily marketed toward women, especially with the ‘wine mom’ trend. This pressure can be hard to resist, especially if a woman feels out of place and wants to fit in. Of course, genetics, environment, biology, and economic/social situations can influence the likelihood of addiction in women.
#2. What Are the Most Common Addictions Women Face?
When it comes to addiction in women, there are some behaviors and substances that are more commonly seen compared to men. As mentioned previously, alcohol and opiates are commonly seen addictions in women. With high rates of anxiety in women, some are prescribed benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, for relief. Despite being an effective medication, they are highly addictive and can be difficult to stop taking. Stimulants are also commonly abused, especially since caffeine, a stimulant, is highly normalized.
When it comes to behavioral addiction in women, there are a few that women tend to struggle with more than men. These are shopping/shoplifting, exercise, tanning, sex, gambling, food (either extreme dieting or overeating), internet, and gaming. Note that any behavior can become addictive, but these behaviors in particular are the most commonly treated in mental health care and addiction treatment facilities.
#3. Is Addiction in Women the Same as Addiction in Men?
Addiction affects and expresses itself differently in women compared to men. One of the biggest examples is the metabolic differences between men and women. Women have fewer stomach enzymes, retain less water, and have more fatty tissue, which concentrates alcohol and drugs. Fat retains drugs and alcohol, which exposes the organs to higher concentrations over longer periods. Women also have less alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme that breaks down alcohol, so more alcohol enters the bloodstream compared to men. They also tend to be smaller and weigh less than men, which further increases the impact of substances on their bodies.
Hormones also affect addiction. A recent study has discovered a link between estrogen and telescoping in women. Telescoping refers to a rapid escalation between initial exposure to an active addiction, which is more common in women. Perhaps the most alarming fact about addiction in women is that women are less likely to seek treatment compared to men.
#4. Is It Possible for Women to Be ‘Cured’ of Their Addiction?
Addiction cannot be “cured.” A person cannot take a pill or an antibiotic regimen and be “cured” of addiction. Addiction in women instead has the goal of recovery. This is when someone can live a healthy life without needing to use substances. Addiction is a life-long disorder, and even when in recovery, a person may experience cravings. Sometimes they may even relapse, which is when someone uses substances or engages in addictive behaviors again after an absence. There is no way to fully stop addiction in women, save for prevention and addiction education as well as teaching healthy coping skills to reduce self-medicating behaviors.
#5. Is Women-Only Treatment Required to Treat Addiction in Women?
Women-only treatment is not required to treat addiction in women, but it’s more effective compared to other forms of treatment. Most modern addiction treatments have only been tested on and designed for men. Sometimes this approach doesn’t work, requiring a more specific focus and goal. That’s why women-only treatment is vital for the recovery of women everywhere. A women-only treatment facility provides women with what they need to succeed and thrive. Treatment facilities like Painted Desert Recovery provide a safe place, women-focused treatment, and peer support. Women can focus solely on their recovery instead of having to worry about being re-traumatized. It’s not just more comfortable for women, it’s effective at helping women overcome addiction and stay in recovery.
As our understanding of addiction in women grows every year, women find validation in their struggles. Anyone can recover from addiction, including yourself and your loved ones.
It’s a fact that addiction can present itself differently in women compared to men. However, there is not a lot the public knows about addiction in women specifically. There are a lot of questions that many don’t know the answers to. Luckily, there is a place specializing in treating addiction in women that can answer these questions. At Painted Desert Recovery in New Harmony, Utah, women everywhere can find the quality treatment they need to recover from addiction. It’s also a place where women and their loved ones can get the latest information about addiction and its treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don’t wait. Call (844) 540-0353 today.