Drugs and alcohol are psychoactive substances that are prone to abuse and can be both physically and psychologically addictive. When you become physically dependent on drugs or alcohol, you can deal with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms which make it difficult to quit without help from women’s addiction treatment centers.

Addiction impacts tens of millions of Americans each and every year. In fact, more than 1 out of every 7 Americans ages 12 and older meet the criteria for a substance misuse disorder. Addiction doesn’t discriminate. Anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, education and social class, can develop a substance abuse disorder.

Women and Addiction

Women and men are both capable of developing substance abuse disorders. However, fewer women develop problems with addiction than men. Even though fewer women meet the criteria for a substance abuse disorder than men, women are more likely to relapse. Women also face more stigma when they abuse drugs and alcohol, which leads to more women struggling with negative social consequences, damaged relationships, and isolation.

Also, women use and abuse substances for different reasons than men. Women are more likely to use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate or because they are experiencing negative or distressing emotions, such as:

  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Trauma
  • Depression
  • Major life changes
  • Stress

Because of biological differences, women are more likely to experience medical problems as a result of their substance abuse. Women have different levels of enzymes in their stomach which makes it harder for women to process alcohol. Since women, on average, weigh less than men, they are more sensitive to the effects of drugs and alcohol.

The heightened sensitivity can make it more likely for women to develop an addiction because of the more pronounced euphoria. Women’s addiction treatment programs offer additional support during rehab. For example, women are more likely than men to experience trauma or have a condition like PTSD. Therefore, many women’s rehab centers provide dual diagnosis and trauma treatment.

Withdrawal

Once you become physically dependent on drugs or alcohol, you can begin to experience withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours of your last use. When you use drugs and alcohol, your brain releases more neurotransmitters than it should. Once the effects wear off, you are depleted of pleasurable neurotransmitters and can deal with intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Most withdrawal symptoms subside within a week. The detox process may take more or less time depending on what substance you are addicted to and how much or how often you use.

Women’s Addiction Treatment Centers

Women’s addiction treatment Long Beach offers provides both inpatient and outpatient treatment options. Inpatient and outpatient women’s addiction treatment centers offer:

During treatment at a women’s rehab center, you will learn how to identify and change negative thinking patterns, emotions and behaviors. You will also learn about relapses and the signs of relapse. Learning how to adopt healthy coping mechanisms is another important aspect of treatment.

Everyone experiences stress and negative emotions. During recovery, it is important to implement healthy coping strategies when you are faced with triggers and cravings to ensure you don’t relapse. Relapses can lead to more severe addiction and an increased risk of overdose.

Finding Help Today

When you are battling an addiction, reaching out for help is the first step in the recovery process. Women’s addiction treatment centers provide you with the education, support, and resources to learn how to manage your symptoms and sustain your recovery. Contact us today to find out more about our nationally-recognized programs.