Barriers and Challenges Facing Women Seeking Treatment for Addiction Issues

Women And Addiction
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Women And Addiction
Introduction
Addiction is an uncontrollable physical or psychological dependency on a substance or activity. It is characterized by compulsive engagement in the activity or substance, despite harmful consequences and a desire to stop. Addiction can manifest in drug or alcohol abuse, gambling, compulsive shopping, or other forms of compulsive behavior (Brady et al., 2009). Addiction is a complex issue that affects millions of people around the world. Women are particularly vulnerable to addiction, as they face unique societal pressures and barriers that can lead to substance abuse. They are also more likely to suffer from stress, depression, trauma, anxiety, and other mental health issues that can lead to substance abuse. Women face unique challenges in overcoming addiction due to physical, psychological, and social factors. However, with the proper support and treatment, women can successfully overcome their addictions and lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Exploring the Prevalence of Addiction Among Women
The prevalence of addiction among women is higher than that of men. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, women are more likely than men to be prescribed certain medications, such as opioids, which can lead to misuse and addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that in 2017, 6.1 million women over the age of 18 had a substance use disorder, compared to 4.7 million men. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, in 2018, more women than men died from drug overdoses. That year, there were 19,223 female overdose deaths, compared to 17,029 male overdose deaths. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported that, in 2018, more women than men were admitted to substance abuse treatment centers. That year, there were 1.5 million female admissions, compared to 1.3 million male admissions. Lastly, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) reported that, in 2017, women were more likely than men to receive long-term addiction treatment. That year, there were 2.9 million women in treatment, compared to 2.3 million men.
Multiple explanations exist for the higher prevalence of addiction in women than in men (Ait-Daoud et al., 2017). On a biological level, women may be more susceptible to addiction due to differences in brain chemistry and hormones and more likely to suffer from mental health issues that can lead to addiction. Additionally, women often face more stressors than men, such as poverty, abuse, and trauma, which can contribute to substance abuse. On a social level, women may face more significant societal pressure to use drugs and alcohol or to fit in with their peers who are using (Finnegan & Kandall, 2014). Furthermore, women may be more likely to self-medicate to cope with stressors. All of these factors contribute to the higher prevalence of addiction among women, and it is essential to understand and address them to provide effective treatment.
Understanding the Impact of Addiction on Women's Lives
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.3 million women over the age of eighteen are battling an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Of those, 6.2 million are dependent upon alcohol and 2.1 million are dependent upon drugs. Addiction has a profound impact on women's lives. It can affect their physical health, mental health, relationships, and social standing. Women who suffer from addiction are more likely to suffer from physical (such as an increased risk of heart disease and liver damage) and mental health issues (such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and other medical conditions) (Finnegan & Kandall, 2014). According to research that was conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) found that 69.2% of women in treatment for substance abuse had a co-occurring mental health disorder, compared to 59.5% of men. Additionally, women with addiction often have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships due to drug use and may isolate themselves from family and friends. The social stigma associated with addiction can also lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and economic hardship. Women with addiction issues may find it challenging to secure employment and struggle financially. This can include loss of employment, difficulty finding affordable housing, and legal fees. Research conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that women are more likely to experience unemployment and financial insecurity because of their substance use disorder than men.
Addiction can definitely be a contributing factor in intimate partner violence. Substance abuse can lead to increased aggression and violent behaviors, as well as decreased impulse control. For example, individuals who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be more likely to become physically or verbally abusive towards their partner. Additionally, individuals who are struggling with addiction may be more likely to become financially or emotionally dependent on their partner, which can lead to feelings of powerlessness and resentment. In some cases, individuals may use abusive tactics to control their partners, such as threats of violence or manipulation. Therefore, it is important to address any underlying substance abuse issues in order to reduce the risk of intimate partner violence.
Finally, addiction can harm women's reproductive health, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies, miscarriages, and other reproductive health issues. Additionally, women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol may be more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors that can lead to unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases. Women with addiction may also be less likely to use contraception, leading to a greater risk of unintended pregnancy. Furthermore, addiction can cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt normal menstrual cycles, leading to an increased risk of infertility or other reproductive health issues.
Barriers and Challenges For women seeking treatment for addiction issues
Societal stigma surrounding addiction and mental health issues can have a devastating effect on women seeking treatment. Many women fear the potential judgment, labeling, and ostracization from family, friends, and peers if they seek help (Straussner & Brown, 2002). This fear often prevents women from getting the support they need, leading to a devastating cycle of untreated addictions and mental health issues. Furthermore, this stigma can lead to further ostracization and marginalization, making it even more difficult for women to seek and receive help.
Gender-specific issues can significantly impact the success of addiction treatment programs. While many programs are tailored to the needs of men, women may feel overlooked or underserved in these programs. Women may have different motivations for seeking addiction treatment than men, such as wanting to reunite with their families or provide a safe environment for their children. Women may also face unique challenges in recovery, such as dealing with gender-based trauma or managing co-occurring mental health issues (Finnegan & Kandall, 2014). Furthermore, women may experience stigma or judgment from family, friends, or the treatment program. Addiction treatment programs need to be aware of and address women's unique needs to ensure optimal recovery success.
Women's access to addiction treatment resources is often limited due to various factors, including financial constraints, lack of transportation, and childcare responsibilities. These factors can create significant obstacles for women seeking treatment, preventing them from accessing the resources needed to recover successfully (Finnegan & Kandall, 2011). Additionally, many addiction treatment centers are not equipped to address the unique needs of women, such as specific mental health concerns, trauma, and gender-specific health issues. As a result, women may struggle to find the right treatment program or may not feel comfortable in a male-dominated treatment environment. These challenges are further compounded by the stigma associated with addiction, which often leads to a lack of understanding and acceptance of those in need. These factors can significantly limit women's access to addiction treatment resources, creating an environment of inequality and injustice.
Women who have experienced trauma face unique challenges when seeking addiction treatment. In addition to substance abuse's physical and psychological harms, they may carry the lasting psychological damage of trauma (“Women under the Influence – HFS Books,” 2006). This can manifest in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues. In some cases, trauma can lead to increased vulnerability to relapse as it may trigger intense emotions that can be difficult to manage without the he...