Women experience addiction at rates nearly as high as men. Women are slightly less prone to misusing drugs than men but are equally prone to dependence and addiction if they do. Though many of the signs of addiction are similar between the genders, at The Right Step Houston, we focus on the specific needs of women in our women’s addiction treatment center.
Recognizing and honoring the experiences of women when helping them begin recovery means understanding their unique perspective. Identifying your own or a loved one’s drug abuse is the first step. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of addiction in women, then call The Right Step Houston at 1.844.768.0169 to get started on recovery.
Understanding Prescription Drug Abuse in Women
Women are less likely to seek psychotropic drugs from street dealers but are somewhat more prone to prescription drug abuse. Prescribed an opioid for pain or a benzo for anxiety, the possibility of crossing the boundary between legitimate use as prescribed and misuse is a risk.
How does addiction to prescription drugs, as well as other drugs, establish itself in women? Consider the following:
- Women have a more active dopamine response than men. In a woman’s brain, the receptors that activate when, for example, an opioid is introduced are heightened compared to those of men.
- Pain medication like Oxy also acts as a sedative and can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Women who have access to tranquilizers prescribed for a different use may use them to self-medicate.
- Estrogen plays a role in how prescription amphetamines like Adderall affect the brain, amplifying pleasant or stimulating feelings. This may be responsible for the fact that women who misuse stimulants become addicted more easily.
Being cognizant of the risks women face as opposed to men will help you recognize prescription drug abuse in a woman you care about.
Drug Abuse Symptoms in Women
Signs of stimulant abuse in women include:
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination
- Extreme perspiration
- Slowed breathing
- Fever
- Erratic heartbeat
Recognizing these symptoms early and providing compassionate support can make a critical difference in helping a woman on her path to recovery.
Signs of Opioid Abuse
Signs of opioid abuse in women include:
- Sleepiness
- Suppressed breathing and heart rate
- Insomnia
- Hypertension
- Weight loss
Women are more likely to develop addictions from prescribed drugs than men. Women are nearly 50% more prone to opioid misuse or addiction. Hormones and brain chemistry play heavy roles in this.
Signs of Depressant Abuse
Symptoms of depressant abuse in women include:
- Drowsiness
- Poor motor skills
- Numbness
- Confusion
- Hypertension
Be aware if any of these apply to you or another woman you care about. If so, seek help.
The Link Between Anxiety, Depression, and Addiction
Self-medication occurs when someone uses illicit drugs or misuses prescription drugs to manage mental health symptoms. A woman juggling work, family, parenting, and caring for aging parents may not realize she’s dealing with mental health challenges. Even if she does, taking time and money for self-care might feel impossible.
This can lead her to unconsciously turn to a half-used bottle of Oxy in her cabinet to calm anxiety or numb depression. People with depression are twice as likely to develop addictions, and those with anxiety often have co-occurring substance use disorders. Self-medication is a key factor in this link. No one plans to become addicted to prescription drugs, but the path from easing symptoms to addiction is rarely clear. By the time it becomes a problem, professional help may be necessary.
Begin Treatment in the Women’s Addiction Treatment Center at The Right Step Houston Today
There’s no reason to continue to suffer the many painful consequences of drug dependence and addiction. If you’re a woman abusing prescription drugs—or any drug or alcohol—reach out to The Right Step Houston today by calling 1.844.768.0169 or filling out our online form.