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Why Women Abuse Drugs and Alcohol

two women talk in therapy about why women abuse drugs and alcohol

Addiction is a mental health disorder that affects men and women in unique ways. This includes the reasons behind the addiction, the type and amounts taken, and a number of other factors that go into why women abuse drugs and alcohol. Because of some of the complexities behind addiction, some women will benefit more from a treatment program exclusively dedicated to women. This allows them to feel more comfortable opening up about the reasons behind the abuse without any distractions from a male presence.

At BRC Healthcare, we are a full-service addiction treatment center with separate men’s and women’s rehab programs that can treat all types of addiction and the underlying reasons behind it. Our goal is to do everything we can to help our residents reach and maintain their goals of long-term recovery. Female therapists work with women in group and private therapy sessions and will focus on the issues behind the addiction and develop healthy ways to process their feelings. If you want more information about our women’s rehab in Austin, TX, call 888.559.2036 today to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members.

Why Women Abuse Drugs and Alcohol

Addiction affects the delicate chemical balance within each person. This means that men and women have a genetic difference in how drugs and alcohol affect them. Drug and alcohol abuse can have a negative effect on hormones, menstrual cycles, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. In addition, women face unique obstacles due to their gender and misconceptions about their roles in society that can cause them to drink or use drugs.

According to one report, here are some of the connections between substance abuse and women:

  • Women are more likely to use smaller amounts over a longer period of time (micro-dosing).
  • Women have stronger drug cravings and are more likely to relapse after treatment.
  • Female sex hormones make women more sensitive to the effects of drugs and alcohol.
  • Female heart and blood vessels are more prone to the physical effects of drug abuse.
  • Women who struggle with addiction are more likely to experience panic attacks, anxiety, and depression.
  • Women are more susceptible to drug overdose and death.

At BRC Healthcare, we provide a discreet, gender-specific environment where women from all over can recover from addiction safely and with fewer distractions that can lead to a relapse. Our team has experience working with the common reasons why women abuse drugs and alcohol and use the latest therapeutic techniques to address all aspects of their addiction.

The Benefits of Enrolling in a Women’s Rehab Program

There are many benefits of enrolling in a women-only addiction treatment program that goes beyond learning new life skills and getting relief from withdrawal symptoms. Women will have a chance to create strong relationships with other women in the program that will support their sobriety long after completing a treatment program.

Here are some additional benefits of enrolling in a women’s rehab program:

  • Women will have a chance to talk about the issues that led to the abuse without distraction from a male presence, which can cause a big problem in recovery.
  • A safer environment that promotes open communication about female-specific topics like miscarriages, gender or sexual confusion, workplace issues, and domestic or sexual assault.
  • Medical support to ease withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and any depressive or anxiety symptoms that can interfere with recovery.
  • Women will participate in behavioral therapy to learn new ways to cope with their feelings and break all addictive habits.
  • Help with restoring family relationships and learning how to be a better communicator with friends and loved ones.

Treating substance abuse in women is possible through an accredited addiction treatment program. The combination of behavioral and holistic therapy with medical support provides a better recovery experience and promotes life-long sobriety.

BRC Healthcare Offers Separate Women’s Rehab Programs in Austin, TX

Why do women abuse drugs and alcohol? At BRC Healthcare, we understand that women have unique issues that can make them more susceptible to addiction than men. Our inclusive treatment center welcomes women from all walks of life to join our women-only program to safely and discreetly work on their recovery. We use the latest treatment methods for treating addiction that include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Family therapy
  • Nutrition education
  • Meditation, yoga, and other holistic therapies

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and ready for a positive change, call 888.559.2036 or send us a message online today, and we will get back to you promptly.