National Women Touched by Addiction Day: Resilience, Recovery, and Reclaiming Lives
National Women Touched by Addiction Day is commemorated on July 23 to help remove stigma, empower women, provide education, open conversations, and help build the resilience needed to move forward.
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Substance Use Disorders Among Women
Addiction does not discriminate, but the behaviors around substance use can be very different for women. And critically – the physical, mental, and social impacts for women struggling with substance use can be particularly harsh and difficult to overcome. Among the data of particular concern for women:
- In 2018, approximately 7 million women (or 3.7% of female population) in the United States suffered from a substance use disorder
- In 2021, 6 million women aged 18 or older (20.4% of the population) reported using illicit drugs in the past 12 months.
- Women become addicted to substances such as alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription drugs in physically different ways from men, often becoming dependent more quickly
- Women may be more susceptible to cravings and relapse, which are key phases of the addiction cycle
- Opioid use disorder among pregnant women more than quadrupled from 1999 to 2014
- Women are less likely than men to seek help for substance abuse issues, often due to fear of legal or social issues. When they do seek help, they face unique barriers such as navigating childcare needs as the primary caregiver for you children.
- Women who seek help for their substance use issues are more likely than men to have co-occurring mental health disorders , including major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, requiring an integrated treatment approach.
- Women who face trauma such as domestic abuse, divorce, loss of child custody, or the death of a partner are more likely to experience substance use disorders.
These statistics underscore the unique struggles that women face with addiction, but also the immense potential for recovery. It’s important to remember that every statistic represents individuals with personal stories, and each one has the potential to change the trajectory from addiction toward recovery. Recovery is possible when women are supported with comprehensive resources and treatment.
Specialized Care for Women at CleanSlate Centers
Comprehensive Medical Care
At CleanSlate Centers, each patient’s treatment starts with developing a plan that is individualized to your needs. Through a compassionate, evidence-based approach, we ensure that every patient receives comprehensive care. This includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to safely decreased your dependences on substances, as well as with individualized recovery support to build long-term coping and wellness skills.
Pregnancy Care
CleanSlate Centers provide an essential lifeline for pregnant women grappling with addiction, recognizing that their needs are unique and time-sensitive. Our team is equipped to manage your medical treatment to keep both mom and baby safe and healthy. In many locations, we also offer individual and group counseling for pregnant women and new moms to provide community, coaching and support through both their recovery and motherhood journeys.
In addition to the care provided at our centers, a number of CleanSlate Centers join with community partners to provide additional resources. CleanSlate Recovery Support Specialist, Lauren Gardjulis, operating out of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, shares, “We have great resources for pregnant women. We collaborate with two agencies locally that work with pregnant women and their children up to two years in age. They support women in making appointments, accessing resources, and obtaining infant care supplies like pack-and-plays.”
This integrated approach not only addresses the immediate need for substance use disorder treatment, but also acknowledges the interconnected emotional and physical health concerns that accompany pregnancy. CleanSlate Centers are committed to helping pregnant women navigate the path to recovery, empowering them to build a healthier future for themselves and their unborn children.
Within this larger frame, the Women Touched by Addiction movement emerges as a beacon of hope for those in the throes of this difficult journey. The movement aims to support the resilient heart at the core of every woman’s experience with addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call today (833) 505-4673 to get the care you deserve.
