Home > Rehab Treatment > Why Specialised Addiction Treatment and Rehab for Women in the UK Matters
According to studies, 1.9% of women show signs of drug dependence, highlighting the growing need for specialised care. Those aged 16-24 are three times more likely than men to face mental health issues, which often co-occur with substance use disorders. These statistics underline the unique challenges and sensitive issues women face when battling addiction.
At Help for Addiction, we offer consultation services and guidance for treatment options, especially for troubled women. This article explores why gender-specific addiction treatment facility is vital for women.
Women may develop addiction-related health problems more quickly than men. They may be more prone to alcohol-induced liver disease and brain damage, putting their long-term health at significant risk. Heart disease and alcohol abuse-related cancers, like breast cancer, are also more prevalent in women who abuse substances.
Prescription medications pose another serious concern. Over the past two decades, prescription painkiller overdose deaths among women have risen by 400%. This is a troubling statistic compared to men. Women are more likely to be prescribed higher doses of pain medication for longer periods. Thus, this increases their risk of addiction.
Pregnancy complicates it further. Babies born to mothers who have a drug addiction problem may suffer from conditions like fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) or neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This leads to long-term developmental and health challenges.
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Gender-specific drug and alcohol addiction treatment centres offer a safe environment where medical professionals can explore the underlying causes of addiction. Many women also fear seeking help due to concerns about childcare, financial difficulties or the stigma of admitting to addiction.
Research reveals that compared to men, women are ten times more likely to have experienced severe physical and sexual abuse linked to substance misuse. In fact, the majority of women using substances also struggle with psychological issues. This rises for those in residential rehab facilities. These traumatic events can hinder them from opening up in a mixed-gender treatment setting. Creating a space where women feel safe allows them to engage fully with treatment programs and confront their personal circumstances.
A women-focused treatment program also offers practical solutions tailored to their unique needs. Most women entering rehab centres are primary caregivers. This adds another layer of complexity to their recovery journey. Balancing childcare, financial constraints and treatment commitments can be overwhelming without adequate support systems.
In a gender-specific alcohol and drug rehab for women, they can get access to the resources necessary to manage these demands. This includes trauma-informed therapy, which addresses the deep-rooted causes of addiction. This is necessary, especially when it’s tied to experiences like domestic abuse or sexual assault.
Being in a women-only space allows for the formation of strong, supportive relationships with others who understand similar struggles. This sense of community fosters mutual support and encouragement. Treatment can also focus on co-occurring issues like eating disorders, anxiety or depression.
These barriers often stem from societal pressures, caregiving responsibilities, and past traumas, making it crucial for treatment programs to offer gender-specific support. Here are four common barriers women encounter when pursuing long-term recovery from drug or alcohol addiction:
Finding reliable and affordable childcare while attending rehab for women can be daunting. Some women may fear involvement with child protective services if they admit to having a substance use disorder. These often prevent them from seeking help or leaving treatment early.
Pregnant women may also delay seeking help out of fear. It’s essential for treatment centres to offer childcare support or outpatient options in their program.
Nearly 1 in 4 women have experienced IPV. Some patients turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. And yet, they fear leaving their abuser or seeking help due to safety concerns.
Those with a history of IPV may find it difficult to open up or trust others. And mixed-gender environments make them feel vulnerable. Gender-specific drug and alcohol rehab programs offer a safer space to heal and process their trauma. It empowers them to rebuild their lives without the fear of danger.
Societal pressures often lead women to feel shame or guilt about their addiction. Many also experience guilt around failing in their roles as mothers, daughters or partners. This emotional burden can make it challenging to acknowledge their substance abuse issues or seek treatment.
Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help overcome these negative emotions. These therapies teach women to embrace recovery without feeling ashamed or fearful of judgment.
Women who have experienced trauma may use substance abuse as a way to deal with unresolved emotional pain. It’s important for drug treatment centres to provide dual diagnosis treatment and care for both mental health and drug addiction.
Women have a better chance of long-term sobriety when they receive comprehensive care for their mental health and addiction. Addressing these barriers empowers women to achieve successful recovery.
Women can choose from various treatment settings, including medical detoxification, inpatient or outpatient basis treatment and mutual support group therapy. The choice depends on your needs and initial evaluation.
Specialised rehab centres for pregnant women include medical detox, pregnancy education, parenting training, and therapy for co-occurring disorders. These secure the safety of both the mother and unborn child during recovery.
Women may face heightened emotional responses due to hormonal fluctuations. Also, those with a history of mental health disorders may experience more intense psychological withdrawal symptoms.
Yes, many rehab centres offer structured aftercare programmes for continued sobriety and for relapse prevention. These may receive ongoing counselling and resources to help them reintegrate into their communities while maintaining their recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, you’re not alone. At Help for Addiction, we offer confidential consultations to help women navigate their treatment options and find appropriate support. Whether it’s addiction or past trauma, we will guide you toward the right treatment.
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Nicholas Conn is a leading industry addiction expert who runs the UK’s largest addiction advisory service and is regularly featured in the national press, radio and TV. He is the founder and CEO of a drug and alcohol rehab center called Help4addiction, which was founded in 2015. He has been clean himself since 2009 and has worked in the Addiction and Rehab Industry for over a decade. Nick is dedicated to helping others recover and get treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. In 2013, he released a book ‘The Thin White’ line that is available on Amazon.
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