Every year, millions of Americans abuse some kind of stimulant substance. Sometimes, these substances are illegal drugs like cocaine. However, abuse of prescription stimulants is also widespread. Women and men share some of the physical problems that come with stimulant abuse. However, women also have other gender-specific risks. If you are stuck in a pattern of serious abuse, a stimulant addiction rehab program will help you recover.
At Painted Desert Recovery, we understand the unique risks faced by women who abuse stimulants. That’s why we specialize in women-only treatment of substance addiction with our stimulant addiction rehab. Our customized, gender-specific program supports effective recovery from even severe stimulant problems. Learn more from our team by calling 844.540.0357 or completing our confidential online form.
Effects of Stimulant Abuse Shared by Men and Women
All people who abuse stimulants undergo gradual changes in their brain function. These changes alter this vital organ’s normal chemical balance. In time, your brain can come to rely on its new chemical environment. If this happens to you, you have developed physical stimulant dependence. This dependence sets the stage for the onset of stimulant addiction.
Over time, men and women who abuse stimulants can also suffer damage in other essential systems, such as:
- Heart
- Blood vessels
- Nerves
- Stomach
In some cases, men and women who take too many stimulants at once can overdose and die.
Gender-Specific Stimulant Effects in Women
Women are exposed to a range of gender-specific effects of stimulant abuse. Those effects begin with the speed of physical dependence. Compared to men, women become dependent at a faster rate. This means that they also get addicted at a faster rate.
Women may also suffer greater physical harm from stimulant abuse. Some of this harm occurs inside the brain. Both men and women who abuse stimulants for extended amounts of time experience brain shrinkage. However, women experience more shrinkage than men. Even if you stop abusing stimulants, this loss of brain tissue continues to affect you.
In addition, pregnant women who abuse illegal stimulants experience unique risks. For women themselves, these risks include serious heart problems, kidney failure, and even death. Potential stimulant effects on a developing child include:
- Low birth weight
- Preterm birth
- Stillbirth
There are also increased risks for exposure to certain kinds of infections.
The Importance of Women’s Stimulant Addiction Treatment
Women not only face gender-specific physical effects of stimulant abuse. They also face similar emotional or psychological risks. In addition, women have some unique risks for abusing stimulants in the first place.
For example, women tend to abuse stimulants and other substances for different reasons than men. In many cases, women are driven by a history of significant trauma. This trauma often includes exposure to sexual or physical abuse. In addition, more often than men, women turn to stimulant abuse as a form of weight control. This is especially true for younger women.
All of these factors point to a pressing need for women’s stimulant addiction treatment. This targeted approach makes it possible to focus on the issues that matter most to women. It also increases the chances that you will get the help you need to recover your well-being.
Partner with Painted Desert Recovery for Effective Stimulant Rehab
To learn more about effective stimulant rehab for women, turn to the experts at Painted Desert Recovery. We feature a full range of programs designed to support women’s sobriety goals. These programs include extensive trauma treatment services. We also include nutritional counseling under the guidance of nutrition specialists.
Every day, we help women recover from the effects of addiction. In addition to gender-specific services, we offer fully customized treatment plans. These features allow us to help you regardless of your personal background. For more information, contact us today by calling 844.540.0357 or completing our online form.