Need for gender-specific rehabilitation
In the early days, Women struggling with the disease of addiction had to endure intense shame and stigma. Often they isolated themselves to escape the pain. It was only in the early 1990’s, that proper research was conducted on the issue of the adverse effects of addiction on women. Usually a woman gets addicted to drugs and alcohol at a much faster rate and at lower levels of usage. As a result, women face different challenges as compared to their male counterparts. Along with the medical challenges, they also experience social consequences of their substance abuse faster; also, according to statistics, the chances of relapse are greater for women.
Usually men and women develop drug or alcohol dependency for similar reasons: changes in the chemical balance and processes of the brain. However, the reason behind the onset of addiction may vary greatly. Women suffering from addiction mostly have histories of substance abuse since early adolescence, damaging relationships, and multiple traumas due to physical and Sexual Abuse.
The manifestation of addiction in men and women is considerably different. Mostly women’s addictions are multifaceted and associated with violence, sexual abuse, unwanted pregnancies etc. This is not to say that these associations do not affect men, but usually, similar issues are less likely to drive a man to substance abuse.
These differences in reasons for addiction and patterns call for changes in treatment programs. Maia Szalavitz explained in Unbroken Brain, “one third to one half of heroin injectors have experienced sexual abuse, with the sexual abuse rates for women who inject roughly double those for men.” Such traumatic episodes increase the chance of developing a drug or alcohol addiction dramatically. It is important that the treatment programs associated with rehabilitation for women help them increase self-confidence and addresses trauma. Without proper guidance and counseling crafted to suit the unique needs of the individual, recovery may prove to be difficult.
Most of the time women feel apprehensive about entering a unisex program, the social stigma and pressure of the society to conform to certain beauty standards fuels their reluctance. At a rehabilitation center exclusively for women, they do not have to worry about being judged. They can gain the support and understanding of the other women in the group and this allows them to be themselves and relieves the stress.
As Dr. Stephanie Covington, a nationally recognized clinician, author, organizational consultant, and lecturer, explains in her evidence-based program, Helping Women Recover, “Women recover in an environment that facilitates healing—one that is characterized by safety, connection, and empowerment. Safety means that rules of conduct provide appropriate boundaries, creating an environment that is free of physical, emotional, and sexual harassment.” Dr. Covington is also a pioneer in the field of women’s issues, addiction, and recovery.
Research and focus is needed to assess the unique needs of women and a group based treatment program may not be very effective. Catering to the needs of men and women separately can also result in a dramatic improvement in the treatment outcomes and recovery of individuals. Private programs usually offer rehabilitation for women. Currently, the diversity in substance abuse treatment is exciting and reflects a considerable amount of progress and maturity. These developments now help make rehabilitation for women easier by focusing on substance use and addiction, treatment utilization, and recovery. There is still a long way to go to achieve complete success in the field of gender-specific recovery but the current research and progress does promise a bright future.
