For women in recovery, they face a wide range of challenges. The feelings of women are routinely dismissed during the best of circumstances. It’s worse, however, when a woman has to deal with mental health disorders like addiction. It can be a frustrating process that can leave a lot of women feeling discouraged and hopeless. The stigma around addiction while being a woman is a real problem in the United States and can prevent many from getting the help they need.
That’s why women in recovery need to know that their voices are heard and that their struggles matter. Several places are currently working to de-stigmatize addiction and bring awareness to the challenges women face. One such place is Painted Desert Recovery, a women-only addiction treatment facility dedicated to providing quality treatment and support for those in need. It’s a safe place for women to learn that they are worthy of respect and compassion.
Women in recovery can’t dismantle stigma alone, especially with the myths and misinformation surrounding addiction and its treatment. But to understand how to combat stigma, we must first understand why there is stigma.
Why Are Women in Recovery Stigmatized So Much?
There are many reasons why women in recovery face stigma. One big reason is that women in recovery need care and attention to maintain their recovery. Some people believe that a “proper” woman is quiet and out of the way. Any problems they have should be handled internally and quietly so as to not “devalue” their worth as a woman. This is not true, as every human being deserves to receive the help they need. There is a lot of shame around addiction, and many women struggling with it may feel as though they deserve it. This is also not true, as nobody deserves to experience an addiction, no matter who they are.
Another reason why women in recovery face stigma is because they are seen as “crazy” or “dramatic.” Women have historically had their problems downplayed as “hysteria” in the medical and mental health care field. When women ask for help, they are sometimes ignored or dismissed. It’s especially true for women in recovery, who are often told that things are not as bad as they are making it out to be. Addiction is serious and it has claimed the lives of many people. It is not an issue to downplay or dismiss, though many people will if the person struggling with addiction is a woman.
Addiction is not a fun problem to deal with. Some believe that if they don’t acknowledge the existence of addiction then it won’t be a problem anymore. Women in recovery prevent people from ignoring the problem by being living proof that people can recover from addiction. This can anger people, who then go on to continue to spread stigma and misinformation. With all these odds stacked against women in recovery, it can be hard to know how to combat stigma.
How Women in Recovery Can Dismantle Stigma
Stigma is not a problem that will vanish in our lifetimes. However, one can work to lessen the stigma women in recovery face, as well as educate others about addiction. Women already spend their lives learning how to live around those who will belittle and insult them for being a woman. Now, they have to do the same, but while in recovery. Women in recovery need to have a strong support network that can help them navigate the challenges of life. For those that don’t have one, they can learn how to build a support network of their own at Painted Desert Recovery.
It’s also important for women in recovery to learn how to manage stress. Distress tolerance is another important skill to learn. This allows women in recovery to deal with troubles healthily and productively. Therapies like art therapy can give women an outlet to express themselves without feeling ashamed of who they are. There are many women artists today who take the struggles they’ve experienced and turn them into stunning and emotional works of art and music. These spread awareness about addiction and recovery, showing others that women in recovery are people too.
Don’t hide yourself away because you are a woman in recovery. Go out, live your life, and be happy. Sometimes the best way to dismantle stigma is to be a positive example.
The Importance of Addiction Education
One of the best ways to dismantle stigma is to combat it with education. Since addiction is rarely talked about, it can be hard for someone to understand how much it can impact a person and their loved ones. Sometimes women in recovery need to be prepared to answer questions about addiction. Don’t get mad if someone does have questions, as they may be looking for validation to seek help themselves. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to point someone to an addiction treatment center to get the education they need about addiction.
There are many stigmas that women have to work around in daily life. It becomes even more challenging when said woman is also struggling with an addiction. Part of addiction recovery is learning to overcome the internalized shame brought on by stigma by seeking professional help. Women are already taught to stay quiet and not cause a fuss, which makes seeking help an intimidating prospect. At Painted Desert Recovery in New Harmony, Utah, we offer a safe place for women to recover from addiction. As a women-only treatment facility, we understand the unique challenges faced by women today. Anyone can recover from addiction, including yourself and your loved ones. To learn more, call (844) 540-0353 today.
