How Do Women in Addiction Differ from Men?

Women in Early Recovery are very different from men, physically, mentally and emotionally. And most of the time, they do not come alone. There are children involved, whether those children are with their mother or are absent because of her addiction.

Society dictates that a woman's first responsibility is the care of her children. She comes into Detox loaded with guilt and shame from not being able to care properly for her children because of addiction. These feelings are compounded when she is taught that she must put her own needs ahead of her children's for a time, that her own recovery is her first priority. This does not feel "normal." She must first give herself permission to put herself and her recovery first. Even after she has been in recovery for some time and is clear-minded enough to think again, these mixed messages can take their toll on a woman's heart and mind.

Society can also "sabotage" a woman when she becomes ready to get help with addiction. Often, she may lose her parental rights once she comes forward and admits to having a problem with drinking or drugs. It is also viewed as a "morality issue" rather than a disease, which can contribute to a woman's reluctance to come forward. The Healing Place is breaking down some of those barriers, educating people about the disease of addiction.

Tragically, women who enter Detox are usually in worse physical shape than men. The disease progresses more rapidly in women due in part to their higher body fat content. Psychologically, they differ from men in that they are often better at manipulating the people around them--the doctors, family members, etc.--which contributes to their staying in addiction longer.

Because of their reluctance to admit to addiction, concerns about their children and various societal pressures, the needs of women in recovery must be met in unique ways. The Healing Place has a track record of success in meeting the needs of these women. Through helping their children, it also assists the entire family.

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