Understanding Women and Substance Use Disorders
According to researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), men and women have different patterns of substance use and dependence. Differences include access to quality care, the probability of seeking treatment, and reasons behind relapse.
Additionally, NIDA reports several other differences related to women and addiction.
These include:
- Women tend to develop substance use disorders more quickly than men.
- Women are more likely to experience certain medical complications from drug addiction, such as heart, liver, and kidney disease.
- Female hormones make women more sensitive to the effects of certain chemical substances.
- Women who experience domestic violence or sexual assault are more likely to misuse chemical substances and subsequently develop substance use disorders.
- Women are more likely to require emergency treatment for drug-related overdose.
- Responsibilities at home prevent many women from seeking the professional addiction treatment services they need.
These fundamental differences concerning women and addiction make it essential for women to choose providers like The Retreat of Atlanta, which offers gender-specific programming. Our women’s detox center in Eatonton, Georgia addresses the unique challenges women face as they embark on the initial stages of the addiction recovery process.
Women and Addiction Treatment
There is ample evidence supporting the fact that women benefit from gender-specific treatment options. NIDA states, “Substance use disorders may progress differently for women than for men. Women often have a shorter history of using certain substances such as cocaine, opioids, marijuana, or alcohol. However, they typically enter substance use disorder treatment with more severe medical, behavioral, psychological, and social problems. This is because women show a quicker progression from first using the substance to developing dependence.”
Women develop physical and psychological dependence more quickly than men and withdrawal symptoms tend to be more severe. For these reasons, gender-specific detoxification is an ideal option.
Benefits of our Women’s Detox Center in Georgia
Many benefits go hand-in-hand with female-specific detoxification programs. For many, gender-specific care allows for more individualized and focused care. Women who attend gender-specific detox typically have an easier time opening up about underlying issues. They are more inclined to continue with a higher level of care once detox concludes, leading to lower relapse rates.
Additional benefits of our women’s detox center in Georgia include:
- Shared experiences that are unique to women, like childbirth, hormonal changes, and the emotional and mental repercussions of sexual assault.
- Increased comfort levels when it comes to opening up about certain experiences or specific contributing factors that might have led to the development of addiction.
- The development of meaningful connections with other women in similar situations who can relate on deep and authentic levels.
What to Expect During our Women’s Detox Center in Georgia
At The Retreat of Atlanta, we provide specialized care during every stage of the treatment process, beginning with medically monitored detox. Our women’s detox center in Georgia focuses on physical stabilization while preparing clients to continue on their treatment journeys. First, we conduct a detailed evaluation to help us understand each client’s medical and psychological needs. Because women tend to have different clinical needs than men, the gender of each client is taken into consideration.
During detox, medical professionals monitor individuals for symptoms of withdrawal symptoms and provide necessary medication. Furthermore, they help women process any complex emotions that surface as they complete the detox process. Women have access to individual and group therapy sessions during detoxification. Once a client has been physically stabilized and the severe withdrawal symptoms have subsided, they transition into the next appropriate level of care. For many, this continuation looks like gender-specific rehab in Georgia.
What Happens After Women’s Detox?
Once a client has been physically stabilized in the detoxification portion of their treatment plan, they transition into the next appropriate level of care. The duration of detox varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the substance use disorder and the type of substance being used. In most cases, detox lasts for between 3 days and one full week. However, a longer stay might be necessary if physical withdrawal symptoms are particularly severe.
At The Retreat of Atlanta, we offer detox services for women in Georgia. However, we work closely with many reputable treatment centers throughout the state. While a client is engaged in detox, our clinical team works to develop a long-term plan of action. It includes an immediate transition into a higher level of care, whether that is residential rehab for women, intensive outpatient treatment, or partial hospitalization.
Begin Recovery at our Women’s Detox Center in Georgia
Our detox center for women in Georgia provides a structured, supportive, and professional environment to begin comprehensive healing. Moreover, we ensure every experience in our Georgia detox program is safe, comfortable, and tailored to the unique clinical needs of each client. Contact The Retreat of Atlanta today to learn about our admissions process or to begin your journey of drug and alcohol addiction recovery.
We look forward to speaking with you soon and answering any additional questions you may have.
