Women have unique needs during substance abuse treatment because the way women abuse drugs and alcohol oftentimes differs from men. Women may face additional barriers to treatment and are at a higher risk of developing medical problems because of substance abuse. Addiction treatment for women focuses on addressing common issues women with substance abuse problems face.
More than 1 out of every 7 Americans ages 12 or older have a substance misuse disorder or addiction. Addiction can damage multiple areas of your life, including your mental and physical health, your relationships and your finances. When you struggle with a substance abuse disorder, you can spend significant amounts of money on drugs and alcohol, which can leave a pile of debt and unpaid bills.
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a progressive and chronic mental health condition that causes you to abuse drugs and alcohol despite negative consequences or a strong desire to quit. It can impact your decision-making process, causing you to engage in risky or dangerous behaviors in order to acquire drugs and alcohol. Addiction also changes your brain chemistry and your brain’s pleasure and reward center.
Drugs and alcohol are neurotransmitter inhibitors, so when you use, your brain releases a rush of neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters cause the positive emotions associated with intoxication. When you become addicted to drugs or alcohol, your brain begins to solely rely on psychoactive substances in order to release neurotransmitters.
Your brain also associates reminders of your substance of choice with happiness, which causes you to experience intense cravings whenever you are exposed to triggers. When you decide to quit using, you can deal with severe and painful withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Aches and pains
- Mood changes, depression and anxiety
- Vomiting and nausea
- Disorientation, dizziness, and exhaustion
- Seizures and tremors
- Sweats and insomnia
Withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to stop using drugs and alcohol without women’s addiction treatment.
Addiction Treatment for Women
Women’s addiction treatment utilizes evidence-based and holistic therapies. Women experience different symptoms of addiction, as well as different barriers to recovery. Many times, women struggling with a substance abuse problem deal with mental health disorders and self-esteem issues. Women may also worry about childcare responsibilities.
Addiction treatment for women offers the support, guidance, and tools you need to begin recovery. Evidence-based treatments such as cognitive and dialectic behavioral therapy can help you recognize and change negative thought patterns, emotions and behaviors. Individual counseling provides you a safe place to express complex or overwhelming thoughts or feelings.
Inpatient addiction treatment for women is residential, meaning that you stay at the facility 24/7. Your treatment team will help you develop coping strategies and a relapse prevention plan. Inpatient treatment also offers increased support and a higher level of care. Many treatment centers also offer dual diagnosis programs to help you manage co-occurring conditions.
Finding Help Today
Addiction treatment for women offers you the ability to recover in a safe and supportive environment while receiving the help you need to recover. Northern Illinois Recovery Center, a leading women’s addiction treatment center Crystal Lake Il offers, is here to help. To learn more about our programs, call us today at 855.786.1978.
