Women face different and unique issues when it comes to substance abuse. They are known to use smaller quantities of drugs than men. However, the small doses women consume have more substantial effects on them. As a result, addiction and women often go hand-in-hand.
External factors often drive women to turn to alcohol and drug addiction to cope with pressure and stress. Some of these factors may include:
- Domestic violence
- Past traumatic stress disorders
- Rejection in society
- Raising a family
When women abuse drugs, the use escalates until they can’t function without the substances. Soon, they start showing symptoms of addiction. At Blueprint Recovery Center, we have gender-specific programs, including women’s rehab, that can help women find a lifestyle that is free from drug or alcohol addiction.
Effects of Addiction and Women
The adverse effects of addiction and women are numerous. Some of the most common effects include:
Hormonal Imbalances
The female body experiences increased levels of pleasure and pain-relieving when taking drugs. This response is attributed to estrogen, which moderates the body’s pain receptors. As a result of a woman’s monthly fluctuations in hormones, there are times it becomes more difficult to end drug use. During menstruation, glucose in the brain is at its lowest, which causes the risk of relapse for women to rise.
Mental Health and Suicidal Tendencies
Women who abuse alcohol and drugs are more likely to attempt suicide, mainly due to the combination of addiction and women. Drugs interfere with these women’s mental perspective, which may make them unstable and reckless. Addiction increases the risk of panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. Also, women tend to overdose more often than men, and the unluckiest ones end up losing their lives.
Disruption of Families
Addiction and women can lead to family disintegration, as some addicts will start neglecting and abusing their children. Addiction affects women deeply, and thus they should be looked after and be guided into preparing for rehab and the recovery process.
Liver and Kidney Failure
The liver processes the alcohol and drugs that are consumed. A man’s body processes these substances more quickly than a woman’s body can do. As a result, drugs and alcohol remain in women’s liver for a longer time. This significantly contributes to liver disease in women. Addiction exposes women to physical harm on blood vessels and the heart.
Like liver functioning, men’s kidneys work faster than women’s kidneys. Kidneys filter out drugs and alcohol from the body. These substances stay in women’s bodies longer than they do in men. As a result, women are more predisposed to kidney disease than men.
Reckless Sexual Behavior
Women with an addiction may go beyond their means to get drugs or alcohol to use. Some are so deep in an addiction that they are willing to “sell” their body as long as they can get money to buy their preferred drug or alcohol.
Drugs also make women vulnerable; when they get high, anyone can take advantage of them. Sadly, more than half of women with an addiction have experienced rape at some point.
Legal Issues
When combined, addiction and women may result in problems with the law. Women are mainly charged with drunk driving, causing a disturbance, or even being in a position of illegal drugs.
Discover Women’s Rehab Today at Blueprint Recovery Center
A journey towards a new life is up to you, but we are here to walk with you when you make the brave decision to enter women’s rehab for addiction. The outstanding gender-specific treatment programs at Blueprint Recovery Center will allow you to focus on rebuilding yourself.
At our women’s rehab program, our clients find a safe and nurturing environment. We welcome you with acceptance, support, and understanding as you beat your addiction and regain control of your life. Contact us at 833.654.1004.
