Women are less likely to seek help for their addictions. Our society often puts women in situations that do not prioritize their physical and mental health. Addiction is not the result of a flaw or lack of moral conviction. Grace Counseling’s expert team of medical professionals offers women’s therapy to learn how to help you or your loved one get life back on track. Contact Grace Counseling today to discuss treatment options. 844.564.0712
Why Women’s Addiction Therapy Works
Effective treatments for men are oftentimes less effective for women. Biological differences and life circumstances play an important role in recovery. Factors that contribute to addiction in women varies from that of men and can include:
- Domestic abuse
- Parenting difficulties
- Trauma resulting from loss and grief
- Low self-esteem
Women are often drawn towards different substances than men. Opiates and amphetamines are often preferred drugs of choice as they give the illusion of helping meet family or work responsibilities. In reality, we know family and work-life balance suffers as a result of substance abuse. Once addicted, however, women are in a challenging position when it comes to seeking treatment. Accepting their situation might come with a fear of losing child custody, neglecting family responsibilities, and concerns about household finances.
Medical professionals know that addiction is an illness and the battle for recovery is a life-long pursuit. Grace Counseling’s gender-specific treatment offers:
- Personalized treatment plans
- Safe spaces
- A peer support network of women helping women
- A comprehensive alumni program
Gender-specific Personalized Counseling
Grace Counseling offers a unique program, Beyond Trauma, that uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques to help women find appropriate outlets for expressing difficult emotions and change patterns of negative behavior. Beyond Trauma was developed by leading trauma therapist Stephanie Covington who created a twelve-session program for women to assess their personal situation and learn effective tools for moving forward on a better path.
Beyond Trauma’s programming uses evidence-based therapeutic guidance to address:
- Trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Emotional triggers
- Identifying your personal triggers
- Learning to develop and manage healthy relationships
Safety
Women with substance abuse disorders have often had traumatic experiences involving men. Patients may have been victims of physical or sexual violence by a male partner. In a more traditional treatment program in which men and women occupy the same spaces, it can feel challenging for women to express themselves safely. It’s important to be able to discuss personal experiences in a receptive and nurturing environment openly. Keeping this in mind, gender-specific addiction treatment programs are an essential option so that patients feel at ease.
Evidence shows peer support plays an important role in successful treatment. Inclusive scenarios with advocates who have faced similar experiences help patients focus on the most important issues.
Women Are More at Risk
Women’s bodies metabolize addictive substances in a manner that makes them more susceptible to substance abuse. Low amounts of a substance can more easily lead to addiction. This puts women at greater risk of overdose. Women also tend to have stronger cravings once dependent. Due to hormonal shifts, women are also more at risk for relapse.
Life circumstances like the death of a partner, divorce, and child custody battles, are all factors that can lead to mental health disorders. A decline in mental health puts women at additional risk for substance abuse.
Signs you may have a substance abuse disorder include:
- Worsened physical and/or mental health conditions
- Trouble coping with ordinary tasks without substance use
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Absence from regularly scheduled activities
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Relationships with family and friends are suffering
Discover the Benefits of Women’s Therapy for Addiction at Grace Counseling
Reach out to the addiction and mental wellness specialists at Grace Counseling using our secure online form or phone to learn more about treatment options 844.564.0712.
