substance use disorder in women progresses at a faster rate than men, and are more susceptible to craving and relapse.

Physiological differences accelerate the progression of addiction, as women metabolize alcohol and drugs differently. Fewer stomach enzymes and more fatty tissue slow down the processing of alcohol and other drugs, causing the body to be exposed to higher concentrations of the substance longer.

women have often experienced greater levels of stigmatization around substance use as a result of their traditional societal roles as gatekeepers, mothers, caregivers, and often the central organizing factor in their family units. With the integration of women into the mainstream workforce in most middle and high-income countries like the U.

Women suffering from substance use disorder will have unique experiences and challenges, displaying different issues and needs that may be essential to address in order for them to achieve and maintain long-term recovery.

The shame, blame, and guilt attached to addiction can be stronger for women , especially mothers. Women report higher levels of stigma than men , and stigma is a known barrier to treatment seeking.

Historically, substance use disorder in women was considered a selfish, moral failure , that resulted in intentional harm to the family, child, and in terms of placing a burden on society.

More current categorizations of substance use disorder however, acknowledge addiction in women as a treatable medical condition that impairs decision-making and overall cognitive function.

Compared to men, a higher percentage of women with substance use disorder have been the victims of physical, sexual, or verbal abuse. Women are more prone to depression, anxiety, and eating disorders than men. Almost 2x as many women experience depression as men.

Postpartum depression in women who have recently given birth, is another co-occurring disorder worth noting. Eating disorders are also common among women with substance use disorder. Learn more about: Co-Occurring Disorders. Women are more likely to experience economic barriers to treatment. Pay gaps , lower wages, less income, or the higher likelihood of women living in poverty prior to substance use disorder onset, can limit the financial resources available to seek services and treatment.

Women often progress faster in addiction than men, face different barriers to receiving treatment and confront entirely different "struggles" in recovery—based on gendered stereotypes, social networks and communication styles, different cultural narratives and more. Historically, men have a higher reported rate of substance misuse, abuse and dependence, but women are rapidly closing the gap.

Today young and middle-aged women are addicted to alcohol and other drugs at nearly the same rates as men. In the past, women often received medical or mental health evaluations without being asked about their drinking or drug use.

This is a major problem considering substance use can mirror or mask the symptoms of a mental health disorder.

Fortunately the medical and treatment industries are much better at identifying and diagnosing substance use disorders in women today. But no one will fault you for being skeptical…or for being quick to self-advocate. Because of these biological differences, women's brains and organs are exposed to higher concentrations of blood alcohol for longer periods of time.

And no: it doesn't matter how fast addiction happened or whose body was "better equipped" to digest drugs; everyone deserves love, hope and support. Everyone in recovery confronts stigma at some point, but stigma for women mothers in particular is often louder and more damaging.

Society says women are supposed to be small—both in stature and personality— selfless and caring; they're supposed to be good friends and mothers whose energy is spent doting on others.

There are a million messages and more, each describing what a woman is supposed to be—each more irrational than the last—and each making it that much harder to admit to needing help. Gender-specific programs can be incredibly beneficial for some women, while others might prefer simpler programming that's only "sensitive" to gender issues.

It goes without saying: any co-occurring mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, deserve their own attention and could benefit from specialized treatment. Striking the right balance between substance use, mental health and gender-specific concerns should prove valuable and provide a more personal launch point for recovery.

After the isolation of addiction, most women are relieved to simply connect with others, finding great joy in their growing recovery community.

Obviously, any pressing issues that might lead to relapse are first priority, but addressing any shame-based narratives should be next on the list.

Guilt and shame are powerful deterrents for women seeking help for addiction. Lightway Addiction Recovery Wellness Center offers uniquely appointed bedrooms, resident-centered common spaces, and peaceful grounds that create an optimal space for safety and healing.

To help safeguard against community spread of COVID, we have implemented additional health checks in our screening process. Additionally, our staff and residents follow all safety guidelines issued by county, state, and federal public health officials.

As a nonprofit facility, Lightway Recovery is committed to total transparency and accountability. Lightway Recovery champions holistic wellbeing through recovery tools based on spiritual health in combination with physical and mental health components. Extended, residential services offer those recovering from addiction greater support and stability in a warm and welcoming environment that fosters healing.

Those in early-stage recovery benefit when they have access to trained peers who model the beauty of recovery. Lightway Addiction Recovery Center for Women is a safe, supportive recovery environment where women are treated with dignity and respect and experience healing of body, mind, and spirit while gaining the tools to build and maintain lifelong recovery.

Lightway Recovery is a sister organization to Navigate Recovery Gwinnett, a recovery community organization that is changing the way addiction is treated in Gwinnett County and Georgia. Lightway Recovery extends the mission by providing long-term, residential recovery support to women, including pregnant and postpartum women.

Your partnership is vital to realizing the mission of Lightway Recovery, where women experience a comprehensive continuum of care as they move out of addiction and toward lasting physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.

Every donation—of time, talent, or treasure—makes a meaningful impact for the women we serve. They understand your struggles and the pain. Your life can change for the better. CALL Lightway Recovery for Women today!

If you are seeking a premium residential center where personalized recovery care comes first, we invite you to learn more about the Lightway Recovery experience.

Are you or a family member struggling with addiction? The time to get help is now. We have presentations for groups such as schools, medical field and more. including all AHCCCS and SABG funding. At AWRC, we treat the whole woman and her family with education, one-on-one and group therapy, case management, medical and psychiatric support, parenting, vocational training, supportive housing and more.

We believe these evidence-based and holistic approaches are keys to the long-term success of our clients. Vision: The cycle of substance abuse for women and their children is eradicated.

Today, I thought about how far I have come. I am so grateful for what I have, so many blessings in my life. PEER MENTORING. Woman-Centered Addiction Treatment Gender-responsive care addresses the differences in addiction between women and men.

A Bus Ride To Recovery Peer Support and learning to ride the bus gave one woman a better chance to recover from addiction. Walk-In Assessments Available Walk-in assessments are available Monday — Friday on a first come, first served basis at the POWER office in Wilkinsburg.

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