Women face unique issues with regard to substance abuse. Some factors that often drive women to turn to substance abuse to cope with stress include–

• Domestic violence
• PTSD or Past traumatic stress disorders
• Rejection
• Responsibility of raising a family

When women abuse substances, the use may escalate until they can’t function without them and it quickly develops into addiction.

Effects of Addiction on Women

Some common effects of addiction on women include the following.

Hormonal Imbalances

Women may experience increased pleasure and pain-relief when taking drugs. This is due to estrogen, a hormone that moderates the body’s pain receptors. Since women’s hormones fluctuate, it often becomes more difficult to stop drug use. For example, during menstruation, glucose in the brain is at its lowest, and may increase the risk of relapse for women.

Mental Health Issues

Women, who abuse substances, are more likely to think of and attempt suicide, because drugs may make them unstable and reckless. Addiction can increase the risk of depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Women also tend to overdose more often than men.

Disruption

Since women are usually the primary caregivers, addiction can deeply affect children and disintegrate families. Addiction deeply affects women, and if you have any women around you who need help, guide them to preparing for rehab and the recovery process.

Liver and Kidney Failure

The liver processes the substances that are abused. A woman’s body processes these substances more slowly than a man’s body. So, the abused substance may remain in the woman’s liver for longer, increasing the risk of liver disease. Addiction also exposes women to damaged blood vessels and heart.

Just like liver functioning, women’s kidneys work slower than men’s kidneys. Kidneys filter out substances from the body. These substances can cause kidney disease.

Risky Behavior

Women who are suffering from an addiction may go to great lengths to obtain the substance, even engage in risky behavior. In addition, drugs make women vulnerable; where they can be taken advantage of. Many women, who are addicted, have experienced rape at some point.

Addiction can also land women in legal problems. They may be charged with DUI or driving under the influence, causing a disturbance, or even being in possession of illegal drugs.

If a women you know is struggling with a substance abuse or addiction issue, guide her to seek professional help at a trusted rehab right away.

If you are looking for medical drug detox centers or alcohol treatment centers, check out one of the leading drug and alcohol rehabs in San Diego, call Pacific Bay Recovery at 858-263-9700 right away and begin the path towards healing and taking charge of your life again.