Key Takeaways
- Divorce can cause or make women more likely to abuse alcohol and prescription drugs because of stress from their emotions, finances, and social life.
- A drug rehab program for women meets their specific needs, such as trauma-informed care and therapy that is specific to their gender.
- To stay in recovery, it’s essential to treat co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- Planning for aftercare, which includes therapy and sober support groups, is essential for keeping people from relapsing.
- Teaching women about the dangers of abusing alcohol and prescription drugs helps them get their health and freedom back.
Introduction
Divorce is often the end of one chapter and the start of another. For many women, though, it can also be the start of a dangerous cycle of substance abuse. Emotional pain, not knowing how much money you have, and sudden changes in your lifestyle can all make alcohol and prescription drugs seem like a good way to cope. Sadly, what starts as a drink or pill now and then to “take the edge off” can quickly turn into a harmful addiction. Women’s drug rehab programs are the best at helping women who are dealing with both emotional trauma and drug addiction. As outlined in the NCBI Bookshelf guide on women and addiction, these programs create a safe space for healing, boost self-esteem, and address mental, emotional, and physical recovery needs so women can achieve lasting sobriety.
Why Divorce Can Make Women Abuse Alcohol And Prescription Drugs
Divorce can be harsh on women, leaving them feeling alone, sad, and like they’ve lost their sense of self. Alcohol and prescription drugs, especially sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, and painkillers, may help in the short term but can lead to long-term dependence. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that women process alcohol differently than men, making them more vulnerable to alcohol-related health problems such as liver damage, depression, and memory loss. Similarly, misuse of prescription drugs can cause tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and even overdose. In many cases, addiction after divorce is not just about numbing pain; it’s also about dealing with mental health problems like anxiety, PTSD, or depression that often get worse during significant life changes.How A Women’s Drug Rehab Program Helps People Get Better
When designing women’s drug rehab programs, the needs of women are taken into account. Here’s how they give good care:- Therapy That Takes Trauma Into Account – Many women who become addicted after divorce have been through emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Trauma-informed care ensures therapy sessions are sensitive, helpful, and personalized to avoid further harm.
- Mental Health Services That Work Together – A good program often serves as a dual diagnosis treatment center, treating both addiction and mental health problems simultaneously.
- Help From Friends And Family – Group therapy with other women fosters a sense of belonging, reduces feelings of shame, and provides validation.
- Building Skills And Giving People Power – Programs teach life skills like financial literacy, stress management, and communication—critical for independence after divorce.
Co-Occurring Disorders In Women’s Rehab
Women who abuse alcohol and prescription drugs often have more than one disorder at the same time. For example:- Depression that requires professional help.
- Anxiety disorders that lead to sedative misuse.
- PTSD, especially after divorce or abusive relationships.
Alcoholism And Its Dangers For Women
Women face higher risks from alcohol addiction due to biological and hormonal factors:- Higher risk of liver disease and cirrhosis
- Greater likelihood of brain damage from alcohol
- Faster progression to alcohol dependence than men
- Higher chance of mental health issues linked to drinking
What are the Risks Of Taking Prescription Drug Abuse?
When misused, prescription drugs can be just as addictive as alcohol. Commonly abused medications include:- Opioid painkillers
- Benzodiazepines for sleep or anxiety
- Stimulants for attention issues
How Alcohol Addiction Causes Depersonalization And Derealization
These dissociative symptoms—feeling detached from oneself or reality—are especially damaging after divorce. Therapy in a women’s drug rehab program can help by teaching mindfulness and coping strategies.What Aftercare Does For Long-Term Recovery
Completing inpatient rehab is just the first step. Long-term recovery requires ongoing aftercare, such as:- Outpatient therapy
- Sober living homes
- 12-step or peer support groups
- Continued medication management
How Does Couples Drug Recovery Address Issues Faced by Women After Divorce?
Couples drug recovery is essential in addressing issues faced by women after divorce, providing a safe space for healing and growth. Programs that offer couples recovery support for lgbtq opioids specifically focus on the unique challenges these women face, ensuring tailored support to rebuild relationships and foster resilience in recovery.
Conclusion
Getting over an addiction after divorce is challenging but possible with the right help. Women face unique emotional, mental, and physical challenges, and a woman’s drug rehab program can help address them. Through trauma-informed therapy, connected mental health care, and aftercare, women can rebuild with strength and independence. Virtue at the Pointe offers compassionate, individualized care for women facing substance abuse. Call 866-377-4409 today to start your recovery journey.FAQs
What makes women’s drug rehab different from regular rehab programs?
Women’s rehab addresses gender-specific issues such as trauma, motherhood, and hormonal differences affecting addiction and recovery.Can divorce make people use drugs?
Yes. Divorce can cause emotional pain, loneliness, and financial stress that may lead to alcohol or prescription drug abuse.How long does a rehab program for women last?
Programs typically run 30–90 days, with extended care options for those needing more intensive support.What does it mean to be depersonalized and derealized when you’re an alcoholic?
It refers to feeling disconnected from oneself or surroundings—symptoms linked to heavy drinking.Resources:
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. 7 Patterns of Use: From Initiation to Treatment — Substance Abuse Treatment, Women. NCBI Bookshelf, U.S. National Institutes of Health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK83243/.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Women and Substance Use Disorders. PMC, U.S. National Institutes of Health, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3151455/.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Sex and Gender Differences in Substance Use Disorder Treatment. NIDA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-women/sex-gender-differences-in-substance-use-disorder-treatment.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Helping Women Suffering from Drug Addiction: Needs, Barriers, and Challenges. PMC, U.S. National Institutes of Health, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9656705/.
