It can be surprising how quickly the escalation of addiction can occur in an individual. This is because our bodies become more tolerant of a substance over time. A tolerance forces the person using substances to increase the dosage to get the same feelings as before. This constant cycle of increasing usage and developed tolerance eventually will become an addiction.
Addiction in women expresses itself differently compared to men. Though research is still being conducted, it’s believed that the escalation of addiction may occur faster in women compared to men. This requires specialized addiction treatment that can meet the needs of women. One such place to find treatment is Painted Desert Recovery, which specializes in addiction treatment for women.
Besides treatment, Painted Desert Recovery also educates others about addiction. The more educated the population becomes, the better we can prevent the escalation of addiction. By understanding this escalation, also known as “telescoping,” women can help both themselves and others find healing.
What Is ‘Telescoping’?
Telescoping is a term used to describe how quickly a person will go from first using a substance to developing a dependence. This is also a term often used to describe the escalation of addiction in women, as it is more “condensed” compared to men. Addiction happens in stages, with the result being a cycle of attempting to stop using until a relapse is triggered. Telescoping is the second stage of addiction. These stages include:
- 1. First Exposure
- 2. Escalation into dependence
- 3. Individual attempts to limit substance use or recover
- 4. Withdrawal
- 5. Relapse
For many people, the escalation of addiction begins with self-medication. This is when a person uses substances not prescribed by a doctor to treat a symptom, real or perceived. Addictions often start as a way to reduce mental and physical pain. Telescoping occurs quickly because, over time, the substance becomes less potent. It forces a person to use higher doses of the substance to achieve the same desired effect until their body develops a dependence.
For outside viewers, it can be shocking how quickly the escalation of addiction can sweep up an individual. There are many signs of addiction, such as:
- Withdrawing from loved ones and hobbies once enjoyed
- Worrying behavior, such as hiding activity or frequently lying
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Worsening physical health, especially for the skin, eyes, and teeth
- Frequent money or legal troubles, often to fund the purchasing of more substances
The Escalation of Addiction in Women
Addiction affects each sex differently. For women, they are especially prone to the escalation of addiction. One study about alcohol addiction showed that it took less time for women to become addicted to alcohol compared to men. There are many reasons why women a particularly vulnerable to some types of addictions.
Firstly, women are biologically different than men. Factors such as chronic pain, which women are more prone to, are an underlying factor behind opioid/opiate addiction. The escalation of addiction in women when it comes to alcohol can be the result of lower body water content and differences in metabolic rates compared to men. This keeps alcohol in the body longer in women, making it more potent. Preclinical studies have shown that sex-lined hormones, such as estrogen, may play a role in the escalation of addiction, cravings, and relapse rates among women.
Other factors, such as trauma and intimate violence, are more common among women. Women are frequently expected to hide their pain while being expected to support others at the same time. This pain often manifests in self-medicating behaviors to deal with the stress and pain, which can escalate into an addiction.
Does this mean that women are doomed to be trapped in addiction? Of course not. It simply means that women require specialized addiction treatment designed to meet their needs. Part of addiction treatment is education, which helps women achieve and stay in recovery.
Preventing the Escalation of Addiction
Education is one of the most important aspects of treatment. It teaches the client how to recognize the escalation of addiction and seek help. This is part of relapse prevention, a set of skills taught to clients to protect their recovery. Such skills are useful for the client, but they can also be life-saving for their loved ones. Recognizing the common factors behind substance abuse can prevent the escalation of addiction.
Remember, many addictions result from a desire to reduce pain and belonging. Finding sober groups to be a part of can go a long way in reducing cravings and prolonging recovery. Support networks are vital and allow clients and alumni alike to form lasting and healthy social bonds. Encouraging those who have experienced trauma and other mental health disorders to seek help early can also prevent the escalation of addiction. Addiction treatment facilities such as Painted Desert Recovery will have treatment programs designed to treat these underlying causes of addiction. One such example is trauma-based therapy, designed to address the lingering effects of trauma.
Of course, the best way to stop the escalation of addiction is to become a kinder society. By being more understanding and compassionate, people are more likely to seek treatment before their substance use can become an addiction. Societal change can take a long time, but it has already begun with the efforts to de-stigmatize mental health care and addiction treatment. Sometimes it’s best to lead by example. If you are struggling with addiction, reach out for help today. Your actions may inspire someone else to seek help too.
It’s a fact that women can experience a rapid escalation of addiction, also known as “telescoping.” There are several societal and biological factors behind why women in particular can experience such an escalation. However, just because it can escalate doesn’t mean that it can’t be treated. Women anywhere can recover from addiction if they are given the right support and treatment, along with the personal drive to want to change. At Painted Desert Recovery in New Harmony, Utah, clients find a unique and supportive environment specifically specialized in treating addiction in women. Here, women find a safe and supportive place along with compassionate and quality treatment. To learn more about Painted Desert Recovery, call (844) 540-0353.
