Treatment for alcohol abuse is not one-size-fits-all. In fact, the ways in which men and women experience and suffer alcohol addiction may vary greatly. Despite often being thought of as a major problem in men, in 2018 over 5 million women in the U.S. over the age of 18 were diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
In order to begin recovery, it is first important to recognize that there are different triggers and causes for alcohol addiction in women, which may warrant gender-specific treatment. Drug and alcohol treatment centers in Tampa, like Phoenix House Florida, can help women navigate the road to recovery.
Related: Encouraging a Loved One to Seek Treatment for Substance Abuse
Physical Differences
According to a recent study, women and men experience alcoholism differently because of dopamine receptor density and neuroreceptors, and these issues can be triggered by hormones. The study also found that, although women tend to drink smaller amounts than men, women may suffer more severe brain and organ damage. Additionally, women absorb and metabolize alcohol differently than men, which makes them feel the effects of alcohol more quickly in many cases, leading to issues with binge-drinking.
A treatment program at an alcohol abuse treatment center in Tampa should provide gender-specific treatment to address these physiological and biological differences to help you on your road to recovery.
Psychosocial Differences and Trauma in Women
Trauma-informed treatment is important for women, because women experience different types of psychological trauma than men. Although men may experience some of the same issues, many women report that their alcohol abuse is closely tied with a traumatic event, such as abuse. Further, women are more prone to internalize and feel that an issue with drugs or alcohol is “self-inflicted” which leads them to avoid addressing the issue altogether.
Access to Care May be Stigmatized
According to a major study on gender and alcoholism:
“Women are more likely than men to face multiple barriers to accessing substance abuse treatment and are less likely to seek treatment. Women also tend to seek care in mental health or primary care settings rather than in specialized treatment programs, which may contribute to poorer treatment outcomes. When gender differences in treatment outcomes are reported, however, women tend to fare better than men.”
This means that women, when given the proper gender-specific, trauma-informed treatment, can succeed on their road to recovery. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse and need an alcohol abuse treatment center in Tampa, help is available. In-person and virtual recovery meetings as well as telehealth services are available through Phoenix House Florida. If you are concerned for a loved one, we can help break through any resistance blocking the path to treatment and work to heal the damaged family dynamic throughout treatment as soon as you reach out to our team of healthcare providers.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, speak with a treatment specialist about drug addiction recovery in Tampa. To schedule a consultation with Phoenix House Florida, please request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Phoenix House Florida website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by Phoenix House Florida or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.