Columbia University published a study that found women to be more susceptible than men, as well as the reason women gave for using substances differed from men. In addition, the study found that women tend to be more ashamed and guilty of their addiction than men.

Women and Substance Abuse

The findings revealed that women cited social and psychological reasons as the reason for their drug abuse. Depression, loneliness, lack of support, and low confidence were all cited. According to the study, women prefer Oxycontin, Vicodin and Marijuana over Heroin, Ecstasy, Cocaine and Marijuana. If you’re looking for best drug rehab centers, please visit us for more information.

In the study, alcohol abuse in women also dominated. Substance abuse has a vastly different effect on women. In general, women show more signs of addiction to alcohol or drugs earlier than do men. The symptoms are worse in women and they experience more complications in their mental health than in men.

Treatment Options for Women

Women have been unable to receive treatment due to their family obligations, cultural norms and social pressures. The women are more likely than men to postpone seeking treatment, especially when they have children. Fear of losing children is the most common excuse given by women who have children for not seeking help with their alcohol and drug abuse.

Women who are afflicted with addiction tend to share a belief shared by the majority of women’s addiction treatments. They believe that addiction is more common in women from households where alcohol and drug abuse has been a problem. The majority of addiction treatments for women believe that drug and alcohol abuse in families is a major factor.

In addiction treatment, women’s counseling strategies are centered on therapy that focuses on the past of an individual. They focus in particular on the events which may be the root cause for the substance abuse. Couples and individual therapy sessions are part of the counseling process, particularly when drugs or alcohol play an important role in a relationship.

You can get help

It may take a few days to weeks for you to be able overcome your addiction. Medical detox removes the toxic chemicals in your system as a result of alcohol and drug abuse. This can take a few weeks or a few months, depending on your substance abuse. You should then enroll in a rehabilitation treatment program to help you remain drug and alcohol-free. There are both 12-step programs and programs that do not follow the 12 steps. Both offer outpatient care or inpatient treatment.

Perhaps an outpatient program is better for you, as many women cannot leave their kids to get the treatment they need. Take into consideration all options. Consider all your options.