When it comes to prescription medication, people often think they’re safe and won’t cause any adverse effects. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Many women struggle with prescription drug abuse every day. This type of substance abuse happens when someone takes more than prescribed or takes the medication with alcohol, cannabis, or other substances—like prescription or illegal opioids.
The Ranch PA welcomes women who are struggling with prescription drug abuse and have developed an addiction to them. Our women’s rehab is free of any male presence, so women can open up and talk about the reasons behind their drug abuse. We have residential and outpatient programs available where you’ll participate in group and private therapy sessions at our discreet location in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania.
What to know about women and substance abuse
Addiction is a major concern for all genders. In general, men are more likely to drink or abuse drugs than women, but women are just as much at risk as men when it comes to drinking and drug abuse. However, women are catching up—a study shows that the ratio of men to women with an alcohol use disorder in the 1980s was 5:1, and a more recent study shows the ratio is closer to 3:1 today.1
Drug abuse affects women just as much as men, but there are some unique differences in how women and substance abuse go hand in hand. They have different life experiences that affect them in unique ways, and they turn to drugs to deal with other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. It affects their physical health and their relationships, and they have different experiences in treatment than men.
Millions of women struggle with substance use disorders (SUDs) every year, which can significantly affect their lives. If you or a loved one is abusing drugs and wants to stop, there are several drug treatment programs available where you can get the help you need.
Biological and physiological differences
Women often develop SUDs more quickly than men. Women feel the effects of drug abuse more than men due to their hormonal differences and metabolism. Estrogen can increase the sensitivity to drugs, like cocaine and meth, making it more likely that they’ll relapse.
Mental health
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), women have higher rates of co-occurring disorders than men. They’re more susceptible to developing addiction due to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other conditions. They’re also more at risk of developing a drug abuse problem related to a recent or past trauma.2
Social factors
Women may start using drugs to fit in and be accepted in social circles, and face greater societal judgment for their drug abuse, which affects their ability to seek help.
Relationship dynamics
Women are more likely to stay in unhealthy relationships where drug abuse is accepted. Plus, they’re more likely to be introduced to drugs by their partners.
The dangers of prescription drug abuse for women
When taking prescription medication, most people assume it’s completely safe when used as directed. Doctors often clearly instruct patients on dosage and whether to take the medication with food or other substances. However, many overlook the warnings and may double their dosage. This seemingly small choice can lead to significant risks, especially for women, including the development of substance abuse issues.
Physical dangers
Women who abuse drugs are at an increased risk of overdose as they don’t need as much as men, and they can accidentally overdose. Plus, women will experience hormonal disruptions that’ll affect their menstrual cycles, fertility, and may lead to early menopause. They may experience complications with pregnancy that include:
- Miscarriage, or stillbirth
- Low birth rate
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
If they inject drugs directly into their system, they’re at risk of developing HIV, hepatitis B, and C, and other sexually transmitted infections.
Mental dangers
Women are more at risk of developing co-occurring disorders where one condition fuels the other. They may begin misusing their prescription medication or taking it with wine or other drugs. If this continues, they can develop mental health conditions, such as depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. Women who use drugs are more at risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts than men.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988.
Family and social dangers
Women face harsher social judgment than men, and that can cause them to abuse more drugs. If they care for children, they may face losing them through child protective services. They’ll also develop unhealthy relationships with men and be at risk of domestic violence and sexual assault.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of domestic violence or sexual assault, the following are available 24/7: the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7,233 and the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-4673.
Enroll in a women’s rehab program today at The Ranch PA
Struggling with prescription drug abuse? Recovery Ranch PA can create a treatment program to support your recovery. Our team will sit down with you and get to the heart of the problem by creating a safe, gender-neutral space where you’re free to talk about the reasons behind the drug abuse. We’ll develop a comprehensive women-only rehab program that includes a mix of behavioral and holistic therapy and medication to ease depressive symptoms and any withdrawals and cravings you’re experiencing.
Send us a message online or call 888.483.7757 today to schedule a consultation and start a treatment program.
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