While addiction is not limited to any one subcategory of people, it poses significant risks to women. It can impact their health, their ability to perform as an employee, and, if they become pregnant while they’re using drugs or alcohol, the health of their child. If this is the case for you or a woman you love, it may be worth seeking a women’s rehab center, such as the Rose, the women’s treatment program at Lakeview Health. In this program, women can work with other women to identify the source of their addiction. They can also overcome any underlying mental health issues, giving them a chance for long-term recovery.
If a woman you know is battling an addiction to drugs or alcohol, she isn’t alone. Millions of women across the country are also struggling with this condition. However, it doesn’t have to stay that way. When you reach out to Lakeview Health, she will get the care and support she needs to recover and stay sober. For more information about this treatment option and the benefits it provides, please reach out to Lakeview Health today at 904.677.5010.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse*, women tend to abuse substances differently and react to substances differently than men. When women struggle with addiction, they face unique needs during treatment. The Rose, our women’s rehab center, can offer you the understanding, support, and guidance necessary to navigate recovery successfully. You’ll work with other women to develop coping mechanisms and understand the challenges you face in recovery.
More than 6% of women struggle with a substance abuse disorder, alcoholism, or addiction each year. Addiction can cause you to compulsively abuse drugs and alcohol even if you want to stop or deal with harmful consequences because of your use. Overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, demonstrating the dangers of recreational drug use and addiction. Unlike certain conditions, substance abuse disorders are chronic and incurable. Addiction is a disease that progressively worsens until you learn how to recover and manage your symptoms.
While our evidence-based addiction therapy programs serve as the foundation of the Lakeview Health rehab experience, we also go to great lengths to ensure women have a comfortable atmosphere that promotes healing.
Though men lead women in alcohol abuse, this gap has decreased over time. Other substances that women are using include methamphetamine, crack, cocaine, heroin, nicotine, and cannabis.
One contributing factor is that women had not previously been included in clinical research studies. Federal agencies have made significant strides in recent years to ensure women are included and that specific gender issues are being studied with regard to substance abuse.
Other influences that have contributed to closing the gap between men and women’s substance use disorder over time: more women in the workforce in management and professional positions, higher rates of divorce, and as primary caregivers of young children, women typically have had competing time demands. Substance abuse also often goes undetected because doctors focus on more complex female biological issues such as weight and metabolic disorders, cancer prevention, pregnancy, heart conditions, and more.
More women are experimenting with and being prescribed various drugs and substances due to anxiety, trauma, and stress also leading to an increase in substance use disorders. According to data by the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), women also experience a significantly short time between initiation of alcohol use and the onset of addiction. Most women abuse stimulants such as methamphetamine, but prescription opioids are also being highly abused. In addition, the number of women engaging in the non-medical use of opioids has surpassed the number of men by some margin.
Research shows that women are at a far greater risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder than men. Sadly, many hesitate to seek professional help. Instead, they often turn to self-medication as a coping mechanism. As a result, women never receive a diagnosis nor do they address issues such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, or childhood trauma. At our women’s addiction treatment program, we provide trauma therapy to help individuals work through their past traumatic experiences and heal.
Medical Director
“The services we provide at Lakeview Health are better by far than anything I have seen in my 18-year career in addiction treatment. We run gender-specific groups. We have a trauma group for both genders that is very, very therapeutic and effective. We have a pain recovery program. We have a professionals program for people with high-level professional jobs. We employ physical therapists and personal trainers. We have so many assets to bring to the table, and that’s a great thing for our patients.”
One of the primary reasons drugs and alcohol are so addictive is that continued use has a significant impact on the brain. Substances trick the brain into believing that it needs that substance to feel normal, and when it doesn’t have access to the drug or alcohol, the brain reacts by displaying withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms vary, depending on the substance the woman was abusing, but they may include:
It is best to utilize women’s detox services to get through this uncomfortable period. Many of those who try to make it through withdrawal alone will relapse, which can lead to an overdose or death.
After detox, it is often best to enter a residential treatment program, especially for those who are new to recovery. During a residential treatment program, the woman stays at our treatment center 24 hours a day. They surround themselves with other women who will work with them and support them through the early days of recovery. They’ll also attend a range of therapy programs, such as:
Peer support is a big part of our addiction treatment programs. Therefore, instead of isolating women, they pair together in semi-private rooms. This sense of camaraderie can go a long way in the healing process.
The Rose offers a shared spa setting that allows women to unwind in a calming environment. Featuring pedicure chairs and a massage room, it’s the perfect space for rest and relaxation.
Fitness therapy is a vital part of the addiction recovery process. At the Brittney R. Serpa Wellness Center, women have access to state-of-the-art exercise equipment in a 10,000 sq. ft. building. Furthermore, they can also participate in individualized workout programs from certified athletic trainers.
Addiction therapy approaches should be beneficial for the mind, body, and spirit. Our women’s meditation garden gives clients a safe space to practice mindfulness. The serene garden also features a walking labyrinth.
The Oak Leaf Café gives women a safe space to congregate and share healthy meals. Our dietician team can work with women individually to develop the ideal meal plan based on their preferences and dietary goals.
Although recovery takes commitment and hard work, clients should also have time to relax. The Rose features a lap pool that lets women take a swim in the beautiful Florida sun.
Taking the first step towards recovery can be daunting, but knowing your options for care is paramount to your success. Fill out the form below and one of our team members will reach out to help you get started.