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Drug Addiction Dangers and Women

Though drug addiction affects men and women equally, it affects women differently. These differences are apparent during addiction, and they must be addressed during drug rehab in order for treatment to be effective.

At The Canyon, we treat both men and women with an emphasis on individualized treatment plans that address gender issues and differences among other personalized needs. With a variety of experimental and traditional therapies, we provide a comprehensive drug addiction treatment that speaks to different aspects of addiction including the needs of women.

Drug Addiction Dangers and Women: Physical and Mental Health

Women are just as likely to use drugs as men but often become physically and mentally addicted more quickly. However, once addiction has set in, the manifestations in women tend to be more severe more quickly as well. Some of the problems that are often significant for women due to drug addiction include extreme weight loss and poor nutrition, depression and other mental disorders, low self esteem, infectious diseases including sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and hepatitis C, heart health and blood pressure problems. Often women who struggle with addiction are dealing with physical and sexual abuse as well and the possibility of pregnancy further complicates issues and ups the stakes.

Drug Addiction Dangers and Women: HIV/AIDS

The possibility of contracting infectious diseases via sex or intravenous drug use is a big problem for women addicted to drugs. HIV/AIDS is the fourth leading cause of death for women between the ages of 12 and 45 in the United States. Whether they share contaminated needles or equipment like cottons, cookers and waters or have sex with infected partners while under the influence, drug addiction increases a woman's chances that she will contract HIV. About 62 percent of women with HIV contracted the virus due to needles or by having sex with a IV drug user. If these women are pregnant or become pregnant while infected and don't know their status, the risk extends to the baby as well.

Drug Addiction Dangers and Women: Getting Help Before It's Too Late

Women, in general, are less likely to get the drug addiction treatment they need than are men. There are a number of reasons for this. A woman may want to avoid the stigma associated with drug addiction and drug rehab and try to 'treat herself' or quit at home without help. She may fear losing her children, losing her job, going to jail or other repercussions. Women may need assistance with childcare or medical attention if they are pregnant that many drug rehabilitation centers may not offer.

Drug Rehab for Women at The Canyon

At The Canyon, we offer everything that a woman needs to get the treatment that she needs. Starting with a medical detox, continuing through treatment, and following up with aftercare services, our Master's level staff at The Canyon personalizes each woman's treatment plan to suit her individual needs. Each week, that treatment plan is assessed and altered as necessary to make sure that each woman receives the attention she needs. If you have questions about what we have to offer women at The Canyon, contact us today at .