Women abuse alcohol for reasons that are distinctly different from men. Even in areas where men and women drink excessively for the same reason, the relationship between women and alcohol abuse looks different from the relationship between men and abuse. For this reason, alcohol addiction treatment centers offer a women’s rehab program that meets the needs of women more effectively.
More than ever, it is important for treatment centers to address the factors that cause women to drink excessively and develop a dependency on alcohol. By getting to the root causes of the condition, a treatment specialist can develop a plan that promotes lifelong recovery while minimizing the threat of a relapse.
Anxiety and Depression
For women, anxiety is a significant issue in their lives. While most women can better handle physical pain than men, they are not equipped to deal with anxiety and depression. Sadly, many women never receive proper treatment for these conditions. As a result, they may turn to alcohol as a way of coping with their anxiety. This type of behavior often leads to alcohol abuse. To stop drinking, a woman may need help from an alcohol addiction treatment center.
Trauma
Many women are victims of physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse. Exposure to ongoing abuse can be traumatic at any age, but many women who experience abuse do so during childhood or adolescence. Traumas often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that women carry into their adult life. PTSD can be numbing and paralyzing if left untreated. Many women drink to ease the pain from their traumas. This often turns into alcohol abuse or dependency.
Daily Stress
Women experience stress in every area of their life – health, career, motherhood, marriage, and finances. Over time, the stress adds up. While some stress is tolerable – even healthy – too much stress can make life unmanageable. The occasional wind down with a drink in the evening is understandable. However, the glass of wine can become a nightly ritual and turn into a full-blown addiction. Substance abuse treatment programs are available to help women cope with daily stress and alcohol addiction.
Higher Relapse Rates
Women are typically more likely to admit when they have a problem with addiction than men are. However, men who complete rehab are more likely to stay clean for good than women. The reasons why women have higher relapse rates than men are not always known. However, it could be due to lack of family support, not addressing a deeper problem, or ending rehab early due to family or work obligations.
Mental Disorders
There is a strong connection between mental disorders – which affect both men and women – and alcohol addiction. Disorders associated with alcohol abuse include:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Borderline personality disorder
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
If left untreated, a mental disorder can trigger and fuel addiction to alcohol. Likewise, excessive drinking can bring out the symptoms of a mental health issue, making it more difficult to live with. A dual diagnosis treatment program is ideal for co-occurring disorders. A treatment specialist can identify mental health disorders and develop a treatment plan for both the disorder and addiction.
Learn More About Alcohol Abuse at TruHealing Centers
If you would like to learn more about alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction treatment, contact TruHealing Centers at [Direct]. We provide comprehensive treatment for addiction at our women’s rehab program in Maryland. To find out more about your treatment options and get started with your program, call us today and speak with a treatment specialist. We are here to help you get on the road to recovery.