Although substance misuse affects both women and men, the contributing factors and recovery needs for each can be somewhat different. There are a variety of reasons that a woman may become dependent or addicted to prescription drugs, but the most important thing to know is that there is hope.
Enrolling in our women’s rehab in Florida can help you turn your life around. If you or a loved one needs help overcoming prescription drug abuse, My 5 Palms is here to support you.
What Triggers Women to Misuse Prescription Drugs?
Women turn to prescription drugs for a wide variety of reasons. In some cases, they’re prescribed medication to manage chronic pain from medical conditions or injuries. Additionally, women tend to seek health care more often than men, thus may have more exposure to prescription drugs.
Another major contributor to prescription drug misuse among women is stress. Many women have experienced some form of trauma in their lifetime or deal with societal pressures that can be difficult to manage. On top of that, there are unspoken expectations for women to juggle multiple roles at home and work, leading to overwhelm, anxiety, and depression. Without the right support, some women turn to prescription drugs like:
- Xanax
- Valium
- OxyContin
While these drugs are useful when used correctly and for specific medical conditions, if misused, the results can include dangerous side effects.
Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse in Women
It can be shocking to find out that a woman in your life is misusing prescription drugs. The signs of prescription drug misuse may be so subtle that they go unnoticed. Recognizing the signs early is important for helping a loved one or yourself. Be alert for the following signs of prescription drug misuse in women:
- Changes in behavior, such as social withdrawal, secretiveness, or failure to follow through on responsibilities
- Changes in appetite, eating much more or less than usual
- Sudden weight changes, like drastic weight loss or gain
- Sleep difficulties or sleeping excessively
- Mood swings and irritability
- Heightened anxiety
- Excessive drowsiness or confusion
- Slurred speech
- Decline in personal hygiene
In addition to these signs, a woman who is misusing prescription drugs may also start to have problems at work or school. If someone you know is exhibiting some of the above signs and starting to miss a lot of time from work, It may be time to compassionately discuss your concern for them. Make sure they know you’re not judging them but that you want to be a good friend.
Addressing Prescription Drug Addiction in Women
Some women are afraid to enroll in addiction treatment due to misconceptions about rehab. To combat this, treatment programs designed specifically for women pay special attention to their unique needs. Gender-specific treatment programs for women emphasize:
- Empathy
- Understanding
- Acceptance
- Support
- Cultivating a safe, welcoming environment
- Trauma-informed care
Women in recovery need to feel safe and supported, so individual and group therapies are conducted by trauma-informed therapists who recognize the challenges these women face. A combination of trauma therapies, group support, and medications can help overcome prescription drug addiction in women. Case management may also be helpful for single moms or women who are victims of domestic violence.
Enroll in Women’s Rehab at 5 Palms Today
If you are a woman ready to leave prescription drug addiction behind and move forward in life, 5 Palms has got you covered. Our women’s rehab in sunny Florida will provide you with the warm, welcoming care you need to recover. To learn more about our behavioral therapies, mindfulness modalities, and other treatment options, fill out our online form today or give us a call at 1.844.675.1022 to speak to one of our caring team members.