As we recognize this September as National Recovery Month, we recognize that recovery looks different for everyone. Recovery is a process in which people living through substance use disorder seek to improve their health, wellness, and overall quality of life. 

As with any process seeking to make a major change in one’s life, recovery is a journey where one encounters internal and external obstacles. The challenges facing those living through addiction make the first step toward recovery one of the hardest. Among those seeking recovery treatment, women are an underrepresented population. While the gendered differences of addiction are not universal, research shows that women experience substance use disorder in different ways than men. Although men are found to have higher rates of substance use disorder, women are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders and experience more severe medical, social, and psychiatric issues as a result of substance use. Women are found to experience substances distinctly, tending to use less of a substance and for a shorter period before developing an addiction (American Addiction Centers). 

While it is seen that women have unique struggles while experiencing addiction, research from Penn State found that fewer than 11% of women with a substance use disorder received treatment in 2019. The stigma of the "failure" to live up to social expectations may keep many women from admitting when they need assistance. Women also often fear familial and social fallout in situations where children and/or a partner are also struggling with substance abuse. Some legitimate factors that contribute to women not seeking out treatment across economic, educational, and cultural lines include:

• Stigma and fear
• Transportation and childcare
• Child custody investigations
• Interpersonal violence in relationships
• The lack of perceived need/readiness for treatment

To address these obstacles, treatment for women in recovery should aim to address the whole picture. Childcare, transportation, therapy, and family support services are some of the ways that women can be more assured in seeking and seeing through their journey to recovery.

Center for Family Services is committed to providing compassionate and holistic care for those on the path to recovery. Center For Family Services offers a  wide range of addiction and recovery services including  Family First - for HER and SHE. Both seek to help women find their path to recovery. 

Learn more about the addiction and recovery services at Center For Family Services and how you and your loved ones can take the first steps towards healing. 

Sources:

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/rehab-for-women

https://www.psu.edu/news/social-science-research-institute/story/women-less-likely-seek-substance-use-treatment-due-stigma

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/women-in-addiction-treatment