Women respond differently to drugs than men do. There are several differences, women are more susceptible to cravings for drugs than men are. Women also have different obstacles to overcome with addiction. Women who have children or are pregnant may not even search for treatment due to the fear of their children being taken away from them. Women are also more often victims of violence. This, and other risk factors usually result in drug abuse, this includes environmental risk factors and predispositions to drug abuse. Studies show that women of color are victims of violence more frequently than women who are not of African American or American Indian descent. These women also need special counseling to overcome drug abuse that is not usually
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This is called "co-morbidity". The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recognizes that women with co-morbidity are more often than not, harder to treat when treating substance abuse disorders. (Volkow, 2015) Although men are more likely to be diagnosed with mental disorders and substance abuse disorders. Women are diagnosed with mental disorders such as depression and anxiety more than men. In turn, women are more likely to be admitted into substance abuse treatment for abusing sedatives, anxiety medication, and …show more content…
Women in general are often victims of violence. One in three women have reported violence, or other abuse. (Volkow, 2015) The fear and the isolation that sometimes comes with this abuse is enough to drive a woman to abuse substances. Studies show that victims of violence are often associated with other health disorders such as overeating, depression, and anxiety. (Volkow, 2015) Research also shows that women are more likely to report violence or other forms of abuse in correlation with substance abuse disorders. (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 1997) But, studies show that women of color (African American or American Indian) are more likely to be victims of abuse. (Volkow, 2015) For this reason, treatment programs should always have a different approach when it comes to women of color. At least when it comes to substance abuse counseling. Women of color have different risk factors than Caucasian women and this is something that should be taken into account with treatment
This is called "co-morbidity". The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recognizes that women with co-morbidity are more often than not, harder to treat when treating substance abuse disorders. (Volkow, 2015) Although men are more likely to be diagnosed with mental disorders and substance abuse disorders. Women are diagnosed with mental disorders such as depression and anxiety more than men. In turn, women are more likely to be admitted into substance abuse treatment for abusing sedatives, anxiety medication, and …show more content…
Women in general are often victims of violence. One in three women have reported violence, or other abuse. (Volkow, 2015) The fear and the isolation that sometimes comes with this abuse is enough to drive a woman to abuse substances. Studies show that victims of violence are often associated with other health disorders such as overeating, depression, and anxiety. (Volkow, 2015) Research also shows that women are more likely to report violence or other forms of abuse in correlation with substance abuse disorders. (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 1997) But, studies show that women of color (African American or American Indian) are more likely to be victims of abuse. (Volkow, 2015) For this reason, treatment programs should always have a different approach when it comes to women of color. At least when it comes to substance abuse counseling. Women of color have different risk factors than Caucasian women and this is something that should be taken into account with treatment