Detox for Women

As a woman, you may experience substance use differently than a man, and these differences can influence the detox process. Social and psychological factors, hormonal changes, metabolism, and body composition can all be variables to consider when attempting to quit drinking or drug use. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the differences in the detox process for women and introduce barriers to detox commonly faced by people like you.

The need for alcohol detox and drug detox for women can stem from a variety of factors, including trauma or abuse, stress from work and family obligations, and co-occurring mental health disorders. Women with a substance use disorder may encounter several barriers that can interfere with their ability to access detox services, such as a lack of financial means and a lack of childcare support. When women detox at Restored Path, the process does not end with withdrawal. Instead, a plan for continuing care is a fundamental element to help them create a sustainable sobriety journey. 

Five Factors Contributing to a Need for Detox Among Women

Several factors can lead to the need for alcohol or drug detox for women. The following list is only a small portion of those factors, with an emphasis on common factors among different groups of women.

Trauma and Abuse: Women who have endured physical, mental, or sexual trauma are more likely to use alcohol or drugs to cope with the resulting emotional pain and misery.

Stress and Family Responsibilities: The demands of family responsibilities, such as childcare and caregiving for aging parents, can cause women to experience overwhelming stress. Some women may take substances to cope with this stress.

Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders: Co-occurring mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, are more common in women than men. Routine substance use could be an attempt to self-medicate when symptoms of these mental health conditions persist.

Social and Peer Influence: Social pressure and exposure to drug-using peers can play a role in the beginning and perpetuate a woman’s substance use.

Body Image and Weight Concerns: Women, particularly young women, may abuse medications such as diet pills or stimulants in an attempt to control their weight or body image, prompting a need for detox.

Barriers to Detox for Women

Women with a substance use disorder may encounter several barriers that can interfere with their ability to access detox services. Women may be afraid of the judgment and social stigma that comes with substance use problems, which may discourage them from getting help or admitting they have a problem. Many women play caregiving roles in their families, and the worry of upsetting family relations or being separated from their children during therapy can be a substantial deterrent to getting treatment. 

A lack of financial resources can hamper access to detox and treatment services. Other obstacles can include the cost of care, a lack of insurance coverage, or the inability to take time from work. Some women may be concerned about legal ramifications, such as child custody concerns or criminal justice system involvement, which may discourage them from seeking the detox help they need. In addition, the absence of a support system, a lack of reliable childcare, and a lack of transportation can all be barriers to receiving detox or treatment services.

10 Signs of Alcohol Use in Women

1. Increased Alcohol Tolerance

2. Frequent Cravings

3. Neglected Responsibilities

4. Social Isolation

5. Memory Blackouts

6. Increased Risk-Taking

7. Mood Swings

8. Physical Health Issues

9. Increased Time to Recover from Substance Use

10. Failed Attempts to Cut Down

Gender Differences in Treatment for Women

Biological differences in women relate to metabolism and hormonal influence. Women metabolize alcohol and drugs differently than men due to differences in enzyme activity and body composition. This can lead to faster intoxication and a higher risk of certain health complications. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly those related to the menstrual cycle and menopause, can affect women’s vulnerability to cravings and relapse. Health risks among women who misuse drugs or alcohol include a higher risk of certain types of cancers as well as reproductive health issues. Among psychological factors, women with substance use disorders are more likely to have a history of trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse.

Finding Help for Women at Restored Path

Alcohol detox for women of all ages is available at Restored Path right now. Restored Path Detox tailors its approach to offering safe and comfortable alcohol and drug detox for women by treating you as an individual. The program focuses on support, safety, acceptance, and understanding, allowing you to detox comfortably, leave behind the issues that influenced your substance use, and look forward to a brighter, sober future. Expert physicians, devoted nurses, gifted therapists, and support staff dedicated to the recovery process oversee the nurturing environments at Restored Path. The emphasis on evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment to assist women in recovery is a fundamental part of Restored Path’s legacy of excellent medical and clinical expertise, beginning with medically assisted detox and ending with a sustainable, continuing care plan to assist you in starting lifelong recovery.

Restored Path Detox is DFW’s premier location for sophisticated medical detox. Conveniently located in Frisco, we provide a safe sanctuary for healing that is also a state-of-the-art detoxification facility for a wide range of substances. Our compassionate physicians and therapists want you to get well and are committed to removing any existing barriers to your care. Restored Path’s board-certified medical professionals and highly qualified nursing team have extensive critical care experience and are available to monitor your detox program 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol use, call us today and take your first step towards recovery: 469-827-0000.