Scientists have finally verified what we have long suspected, that boys and girls learn differently, and many public schools have introduced gender specific classrooms. We also know that women are impacted significantly differently than men by addiction, with psychological and physiological effects that are often more severe for women.
The rates of dual diagnosis, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are significantly higher. Mortality rates are 50 to 100 percent higher for women than men, and women tend to become intoxicated faster and addicted faster. The influences that lead to the disease of alcoholism or drug addiction are usually different for the sexes, too. Obstacles to treatment are greater for women. Obstacles to treatment More men than women are diagnosed with the disease, but women receive treatment at a disproportionate rate. While 40 percent of all alcoholics are women, they make up only 25 percent of all those who receive treatment for the disease. Besides stigma, barriers to treatment for women are often practical, such as lack of childcare or a fear that children will be taken away from them.
When we look at American history and societal biases, women have long denied and attempted to hide an alcohol or other chemical abuse problem. Women’s roles have been central to the stability and “nurturing” of the family, so to admit to a drinking problem has always been shameful for both the woman and her family. In fact, women are more likely than men to lack social and family support for treatment. Alcoholism is also a family disease, and however dysfunctional the family may be, the roles of mother and wife are seen as essential in meeting the needs of the others, so denial remains a powerful barricade to treatment.
In primary treatment at the Center for Women’s Recovery at the Hanley Center, it is essential to establish a sense of safety and security, especially in light of the high rate of trauma experienced by addicted women. To enhance this, the Center is located in a tranquil setting with a Serenity Garden and Fountain of its own, and a female professional staff. Often early treatment for women focuses on trauma and abuse issues but at the Center for Women’s Recovery we find that to process these issues too early carries emotional risks and could exacerbate relapse triggers for PTSD. In the workforce, women are often able to hide their alcoholism or drug abuse, because they tend to have less visible positions than men, are less likely to “act out.” They are also more likely to stay home with a sick child, so can more easily use this excuse for absences.
Women feel a stronger stigma about a substance abuse problem, and are afraid of losing their jobs. Unfortunately, this also holds true for many professional women in recovery who are afraid that their employer or clients may find out. At Hanley Center we also see many women in treatment who did not fully realize they were addicted to medications or alcohol and rather than seek treatment for it, went to physicians for stomach complaints or psychologists for depression or anxiety.
