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Treatment-Hotline2 :: Drug Addiction :: Women Only
Women and Addiction
addiction and alcoholism are believed to be a learned behavior that is masking a person's emotional or physical pain. There are almost as many treatments as there are addicts and alcoholics.
Educate yourself before making any type of life-changing decison regarding alcoholism, addiction and substance abuse treatment.
women and Addiction
A recent book, entitled, "Women under the Influence", from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse highlights several new concepts around women and addiction. While it has been long known that women feel the effects of drugs and alcohol more quickly, many other aspects of addiction in women are new to many lay people and doctors alike.
Women have been found to become addicted to many substances at a significantly lower level and much more quickly than do men. Substance abuse is less well recognized in women, leaving many without the resources needed to become addiction-free.
U.S. statistics show that 6 million women abuse alcohol and another 15 million abuse illicit or prescription drugs. Almost 32 million American women are smokers. The collective effect of their use is an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, cirrhosis and lung disease.
The book emphasized the increased risk of breast cancer in women who are heavy drinkers. In addition, older female drinkers experience mental deterioration sooner than men. The breast cancer risk further increases with alcoholic women who smoke. Women reportedly develop a greater and faster dependence on nicotine, followed by a higher risk of smoking complications than men.
Researchers are concerned about the fact that most addiction therapies are based on models of addiction in men. The psychosocial aspects of female addiction are apparently much different than that found in men. Women appear more likely to use drugs or alcohol to medicate depression and other negative feelings. The authors advocate changes in addiction therapy to reflect the differences between female and male addicts.
Article sponsored by Palm Springs Serenity-An Exclusive Program for Women in an Exclusive Location Costing Less Than Half the Price of Comparable treatment Centers.
http://www.PalmSpringsSerenity.com
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