There are many differences between men and women when it comes to addiction issues. For example, women are much more likely to become addicted to prescription drugs. It can be said that history has played a role in the cause of women becoming more likely addicts than men. This is due to the idea that women have been encouraged to self-medicate their emotional and physical symptoms throughout time. Physicians often prescribed opiates to help a woman through her moodiness, pain, or exhaustion. Coca-Cola was also a popular choice and up until the twentieth century, it still contained cocaine. Yet, it was known as an afternoon 'pick me up'. Even now, women are prescribed double the amount of psychotropic medication than men.
Accidental addiction is not a lame excuse. It's a real condition experienced by many women who've been prescribed medications for a long period of time. Most often this happens with medications associated with the treatment of psychological disorders. The impact of this discovery can be just as damaging to women as the addiction itself.
There are many factors which aid in creating the circumstances for addiction in women. In some cases it is hereditary. Hormonal cycles can also encourage female addictions. Esteem and depression are huge contributors in the role of addiction. Women may not feel as needed or wanted in the work environment as men. Their role has been primarily in the home and not being as accepted in work field has put undue stress on their need to be seen as worthy in a 'so spoken' man's world.
The 'home' environment can also be difficult to endure. The woman of the house is seen in many roles. Caring for a family can be exhausting and the lack of appreciation a woman feels she receives can put her into a depressive cycle. Depression is one of the leading causes of addiction.
Trauma can also be significant in the cause of addiction. Death of a loved one, an accident, sexual assault, or any other trauma which causes emotional or physical harm can seem too much to bear. A woman can feel overwhelmed with the situation and that her life is beyond her control. She may even feel defeated and addiction becomes her form of giving up.
Whatever the cause, it is sometimes more difficult for women to receive treatment but hope is not lost. Women are strong, courageous individuals who've overcome obstacles throughout their lives. Recognizing that the addiction exists is the first step in recovery. Women are more prone to reach that less reluctantly than men. Once you've accepted your addiction committing to recovery will steer you in the direction of a healthier you.
