Studies have shown that nearly 7% of women have misused drugs within the last year, making addiction one of women’s most common health problems. For a woman struggling with addiction, seeking help from a qualified treatment center is essential.Â
Destiny Recovery Center is one of the leading providers of women’s addiction treatment in the Redlands, CA area. Contact us today to learn more about the Redlands drug and alcohol rehab.
Substance Abuse Statistics for Women
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In 2016, nearly 12 million women aged 18 and older reported using an illegal drug in the past month. This includes approximatelyÂ
- Marijuana: In 2016, about four million women aged 18 and older reported using marijuana in the past month.
- Cocaine: In 2016, almost one million women aged 18 and older reported using cocaine in the past month.
- Heroin: In 2016, about 400,000 women aged 18 and older reported using heroin in the past month.
In 2016, nearly 17 million women aged 18 and older reported drinking alcohol in the past month. This includes approximately:
- Binge Drinking: In 2016, about eight million women aged 18 and older reported binge drinking in the past month. This is defined as drinking four or more drinks within two hours for women.
- Heavy Drinking: In 2016, about three million women aged 18 and older reported heavy drinking in the past month. This is defined as drinking eight or more drinks per week for women.
In 2016, about 18 million women aged 18 and older reported using tobacco products in the past month. This includes approximately:
- Cigarettes: In 2016, about 15 million women aged 18 and older reported smoking cigarettes in the past month.
- Cigars: In 2016, about 300,000 women aged 18 and older reported smoking cigars in the past month.
- Pipe tobacco: In 2016, about 200,000 women aged 18 and older reported smoking pipe tobacco in the past month.
- Smokeless tobacco: In 2016, about two million women aged 18 and older reported using smokeless tobacco products in the past month.
In 2016, about six million women aged 18 and older reported using prescription drugs for non-medical reasons in the past month. This includes approximately:
- Pain relievers: In 2016, about three million women aged 18 and older reported using pain relievers for non-medical reasons in the past month.
- Tranquilizers: In 2016, about one million women aged 18 and older reported using tranquilizers for non-medical reasons in the past month.
- Stimulants: In 2016, about half a million women aged 18 and older reported using stimulants for non-medical reasons in the past month.
- Sedatives: In 2016, about 200,000 women aged 18 and older reported using sedatives for non-medical reasons in the past month.
- Anti-Anxiety Medications: In 2016, about 400,000 women aged 18 and older reported using anti-anxiety medications for non-medical reasons in the past month.
Does Substance Use Impact Women Differently?​
Escape Addiction & Find Yourself​​
Women tend to develop a substance use disorder more often than men and are also more likely to relapse after treatment. Additionally, women tend to progress from initial drug use to addiction more quickly than men. This is partly due to biological factors, such as differences in how women process drugs and alcohol. Women also tend to have more stressors in their lives than men, which can lead to higher rates of substance abuse. In addition, women often delay or forgo treatment due to a lack of childcare and fear of legal repercussions like removing children from their homes.
Other unique issues impact women such as:
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnant women should abstain from using drugs or alcohol under any circumstances. Substance abuse can harm the developing fetus and lead to several problems, including premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays. Breastfeeding women should also avoid using drugs or alcohol, as these substances can pass through breast milk and harm the baby.
Some drugs could potentially have long-term fatal consequences for the baby.
- Congenital disabilities
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth
- Small head circumference
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS
Risk of StillBirth
The risk of stillbirths is increased with maternal drug and alcohol use. In fact, substance abuse is a leading cause of stillbirth in the United States.
Miscarriage
Substance abuse can also lead to miscarriage. The risk of miscarrying is highest during the first trimester of pregnancy, but substance abuse can cause problems at any stage.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
When women drink alcohol during pregnancy, their baby could be born with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASDs are a group of conditions that can include physical, mental, behavioral, and learning problems.
Women, Violence, and Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a risk factor for involvement in partner violence, and women whose partners abuse are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. Additionally, women who abuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to be victims of violence.
What are the Benefits of Women's Addiction Treatment Programs?​
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Women’s addiction treatment programs offer several benefits, including:
- Gender-specific care that is tailored to the unique needs of women
- A safe and supportive environment where women can share their experiences with others who understand what they are going through
- An opportunity to address the underlying issues that may be contributing to substance abuse, such as trauma, stress, and mental health problems
- A chance to develop healthy coping skills and build a foundation for recovery
For more information about steps to take during the aftercare stage, read our blog, “What is Al-Anon and How Does it Support Alcohol Abuse Recovery?”
Where Can I Find a Drug Rehab Center for Women?​
We are here for you​
Many types of treatment are available for women with substance use disorders. Inpatient and outpatient programs are available, as well as programs that are specifically for women.
- Medical detox
- Redlands women inpatient rehab
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Contact Destiny Recovery Center today to learn more about our San Bernardino drug detox center.
