What Causes Addiction In Women?
Addiction is a pervasive problem in society regardless of the gender of the person with substance use issues.
That being said, men and women differ in many ways physically, psychologically, and emotionally. As a result, alcohol and drugs impact them differently and in order for substance abuse treatment to be effective it must take into account these differences.
If we examine some of the causes for addiction among women compared to men, we are able to better combat the issue head-on. Many risk factors come into play when trying to pinpoint when a woman is beginning down the path towards addiction. Let us examine some of the causes that lead women to addiction and chemical dependency.
The Risk Factors
- Genetics: Genetics plays a large part in determining addiction in women. If a woman has a relative who has the genetic makeup for addiction, she is more likely to develop these traits than someone who does not have a family member with previous issues.
- Past Trauma: Women who had suffered severe mental, physical, or sexual trauma in their past are more prone to abuse substances. The National Institute on Drug Abuse projects 80% of women who seek addiction treatment have a history of past trauma.
- Mental Illness: Women with untreated emotional or mental health disorders are more likely to turn towards self-medicating with drugs or alcohol . If one suffers from a condition such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, an individual might cope by overusing substances to deal with the inner turmoil.
Under Pressure
Societal pressure can be a contributing factor to substance use in both women and men. The stress that is places on an individual can lead them to relay on drugs and alcohol for relief.
On the other side of the spectrum, scholastic pressure can become too much for women striving to be at the head of their class. The world of academics and substance addiction goes hand in hand when a student pushes the boundaries of trying to achieve and receive good grades. The learning curve is developing rapidly, and some young women might feel the need to take specific medication at an alarming rate to succeed at any cost.
Another form of pressure, the burden of society, can also contribute to addiction amongst women. Being surrounded by advertising and imagery of the so-called “perfect woman” can have a damaging effect on a person’s psyche. Whether it is beauty, specific weight desires, becoming a career woman, or maintaining the perfect household for your family, the stress of these situations can lead someone towards finding the solution through substance abuse and addiction.
If you are considering treatment for yourself or a loved one, call us today.
The Tell-Tale Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
As an individual progresses in their addiction, it will become harder and harder for them to hide its effects. Some of the common indications of addiction amongst women consist of physical, behavioral, and psychological signs.
Physical Signs of Addiction
Some prevalent tangible signs of substance abuse issues can include:
- Slurred speech or the shakes: When speaking, words become mumbled, and coordination may seem off-balanced and shakey.
- Bloodshot eyes: The pupils might appear dilated and inflamed with redness.
- Hygiene/Complexion deteriorates: Physical cleanliness is no longer a priority. The body may develop bruises, scabs, or acne. The face may become pale or sickly.
- Insomnia/Sluggishness: Unable to sleep at night and an overwhelming feeling of tiredness all day.
- Sudden weight loss: A sudden disappearance of weight and a lack of appetite becomes a reality.
Behavioral Signs of Addiction
Excessive drug and alcohol abuse can alter and change your behaviors:
- Lack of ambition: No longer motivated during daily activities or hobbies.
- Unexplained secrecy: Disengaging from familial and friendly relationships without explanation.
- Productivity decreases: Neglection of responsibilities.
Psychological Signs of Addiction
As substance use continues over a period of time, changes to a persons mood and overall mental health will become more evident:
- Low self-esteem: Those with addictions may display a lack of belief in themselves.
- Mood swings: Inner turmoil and agitation can cause one’s state of mind to fluctuate.
- Anxiety/Depression: As addiction takes over one’s mindset, tension and despair follow.
In addition to physical cravings, someone with an addiction issue will also spend a tremendous amount of time thinking about their drug of choice. These thoughts become a compulsion and impossible to control, which leads to drug-seeking behavior that can sometimes be criminal.
Feelings of depression, sadness, anxiety, despair, and the like are often at the root of substance abuse. The substance might temporarily mask these feelings, but they return once the high wears off, creating a vicious circle of drug abuse.
Taking a substance will temporarily stop the cravings and compulsion for it, but soon the same feelings return. In time, it takes more and more of the same substance to achieve the same effect it once had.
People addicted to drugs and alcohol may feel like they have no control over their drug use. Refraining from using or stopping seems to be an impossibility for them. The substance controls them, rather than the other way around.
Someone addicted to drugs or alcohol will continue to seek them out even if their addiction has made them lose friends, family, spouses, and jobs. Drug-seeking behavior can even lead to diseases such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.
Statistics and Health Considerations
The most frequent substances used by women are prescription medication, alcohol, and nicotine products. According to one study from Harvard Medical School, “women develop medical or social consequences of addiction faster than men, often find it harder to quit, and are more susceptible to relapse.”
Some dangers affect women differently than men who suffer from addiction. In general, women have a higher chance of overdosing because of their smaller body mass. Women can also experience more significant long-lasting health effects from prolonged substance abuse because fewer drugs or alcohol are required to do the same amount of damage compared to men.
In addition to physical cravings, someone with an addiction issue will also spend a tremendous amount of time thinking about their drug of choice. These thoughts become a compulsion and impossible to control, which leads to drug-seeking behavior that can sometimes be criminal.
Feelings of depression, sadness, anxiety, despair, and the like are often at the root of substance abuse. The substance might temporarily mask these feelings, but they return once the high wears off, creating a vicious circle of drug abuse.
Taking a substance will temporarily stop the cravings and compulsion for it, but soon the same feelings return. In time, it takes more and more of the same substance to achieve the same effect it once had.
People addicted to drugs and alcohol may feel like they have no control over their drug use. Refraining from using or stopping seems to be an impossibility for them. The substance controls them, rather than the other way around.
Someone addicted to drugs or alcohol will continue to seek them out even if their addiction has made them lose friends, family, spouses, and jobs. Drug-seeking behavior can even lead to diseases such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.
There Is Hope On The Horizon
This way of thinking can be harmful in the long run because recovery is readily available right around the corner with no shame involved with the process.
Nexus Recovery offers special one-of-a-kind treatment for those individuals who struggle with addiction. With experienced professionals on-site and a handcrafted women’s treatment program dedicated to each client’s specific needs, Nexus Recovery can assist you in finding the help you deserve on your way to rehabilitation.
If you might be considering treatment for yourself or a loved one, call us today at (888)855-6877.
In addition to physical cravings, someone with an addiction issue will also spend a tremendous amount of time thinking about their drug of choice. These thoughts become a compulsion and impossible to control, which leads to drug-seeking behavior that can sometimes be criminal.
Feelings of depression, sadness, anxiety, despair, and the like are often at the root of substance abuse. The substance might temporarily mask these feelings, but they return once the high wears off, creating a vicious circle of drug abuse.
Taking a substance will temporarily stop the cravings and compulsion for it, but soon the same feelings return. In time, it takes more and more of the same substance to achieve the same effect it once had.
People addicted to drugs and alcohol may feel like they have no control over their drug use. Refraining from using or stopping seems to be an impossibility for them. The substance controls them, rather than the other way around.
Someone addicted to drugs or alcohol will continue to seek them out even if their addiction has made them lose friends, family, spouses, and jobs. Drug-seeking behavior can even lead to diseases such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.
If you or a loved one are suffering from alcohol or drug addiction, we’re here to help. Contact us today and speak with one of our trusted recovery advisors.
