Women, Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
Women suffer from alcohol dependence and drug addiction with many of the same problems as men. Gender plays a role in the start of alcohol and drug use, the drugs of choice, and some of the problems associated with addiction. And in some cases these problems can cause mental health issues.
Alcoholism usually comes over time with men, as opposed to women who tend to move more rapidly towards dependence. This is generally due to differences in how the body metabolizes alcohol. So women discover sooner than men that alcohol causes problems for them, and either seek alcohol treatment or accept the problems so they can continue drinking.
With drugs, women may seek more than euphoria when they use drugs. Drug use trends among women are higher with stimulants and prescription drugs than for marijuana. It is generally considered that teen cocaine and methamphetamine use among women is because they are very weight conscious. And prescription drugs are often used in response to adolescent anxiety or depression in women more than men.
When women engage in alcohol abuse or drug abuse, problems can begin before dependence sets in. Men may take advantage of women sexually and emotionally, and abusive relationships may develop. Dependence brings more problems that can lead them to prostitution or other behaviors that lead them to see all men as victimizers or tools for validation.
While men and women benefit from co-ed drug treatment, these are times when gender-specific treatment may be necessary. Women sometimes benefit from being in women-only alcohol and drug treatment to begin the healing process. And if they have children, it is an added benefit when childcare and parenting classes are included.
Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides gender-specific treatment to eligible women, along with childcare, as part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare in alcohol and drug treatment. If you or a loved one needs help for alcohol dependence or drug addiction, please call us now at 888-777-8565 or contact us here.
Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.