Women face a unique set of challenges when dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. Traditional drug detox is a good start for any recovery process, but women also benefit from a variety of treatment approaches tailored to their specific needs. Here’s what you need to know about women and detox and how to find a reliable addiction treatment program for women.
Women and Detox: What Women Need
The detoxification process is the same for both men and women: the body is rid of all residual drug toxins so that the effects of the drug are no longer felt. Once the body is purified and the physical addiction is treated, therapy can begin to address the psychological addiction to drugs.
In addition to traditional detox methods, women often have a unique set of needs that must be addressed during the detox process. These needs include:
* Serious medical complications: Drug and alcohol use affects women differently than men, leading many women to develop more serious health consequences than men do. Women who abuse drugs increase their risk of organ damage, reproductive problems, cancer, memory problems and more.
* Family issues and social stigma: Many women refuse to seek drug addiction treatment because they fear that their children will be taken away. Women also face more social stigma than men who are addicted do.
* Pregnancy-related complications: Detoxing during pregnancy is a delicate process that should be done under the supervision of trained medical personnel so that no damage is done to the unborn baby.
* Depression and/or low self-esteem: Co-occurring mental and mood disorders are very common for women who abuse drugs. Oftentimes an addiction develops as a way for women to cope with their underlying issues of depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, etc.
* Trauma: Women who abuse drugs often have a history of physical or sexual abuse. If the trauma from their abuse is left untreated, they are likely to continue using drugs as a way to cope.
Women get the most out of drug treatment programs that address all of the unique needs listed above. Research also shows that women benefit from drug programs that address the following additional issues:
* Parenting assistance/training
* Family therapy
* Couples counseling
* Family planning
* Shelter
* Food
* Clothing
* Transportation
* Medical care
* Mental health care
* Legal help
Women and Detox: Finding a Reliable Treatment Center
Drug detox is an essential part of any recovery program, but detox alone is not a treatment and is not effective at preventing relapse. A good rehab facility should offer comprehensive treatment that includes drug detox, 12-step programs, educational counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and holistic treatments that address not only the person’s physical health, but their mental and spiritual health as well. Women seeking drug treatment also benefit from programs that provide treatment for behavioral addictions, codependency patterns, mental health, trauma issues, eating disorders, sexual abuse, family functioning, social relationships, physical health and fitness, diet and nutrition.
If you or a woman you know has a problem with drugs or alcohol, get help today. A drug addiction treatment program can help you safely detoxify your body and teach you the skills necessary to live a life free of drugs or alcohol. Call a drug rehab and ask them which treatment program is right for you.
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