Doctors have been overprescribing opioids to women for years. Becoming dependent on opiates is not the result of weakness or lack of willpower; taking opioids alters the brain’s survival-related centers, causing people to fear for their lives as the drugs leave their system. The brain instinctively wants the body to be comfortable. Any woman who takes prescription opioids is at risk of developing dependency. The problem is that opiates prohibit individuals from performing basic tasks and living fulfilling lives in addition to providing pain relief. A person dependent on opiates suffers from social, occupational, and survival impairments. Taking too many opiates will eliminate the brain’s drive to breathe.
At GBAC, we view pain management as a skill; when you do not use it, you lose it. Opioids make women even more sensitive to pain over time. After extended periods of use, the brain becomes reliant on opioids. Then people lose their ability to handle the stress of everyday life. If your brain sends the message that you are in unbearable pain, your natural response will be to alleviate it. Women are prescribed opioids more frequently than men, so their rates of addiction are also higher. The following opioids have proven to have extremely high rates of chemical dependency:
Although men tend to abuse alcohol at higher rates than women, the number of women admitted to alcoholism treatment has been steadily growing. Alcohol is a central nervous system suppressant that can become habit-forming due to trauma, mental health issues, abuse, and environmental factors. Since using addictive substances leads to chemical dependency for some women, seeking alcohol addiction treatment in Boston is an essential first step for many women who have become reliant on alcohol. If you haven’t found a solution with longevity, our team of dedicated clinicians, therapists, and organizers are here to help. We offer partial hospitalization and outpatient drug rehabilitation near Needham, MA.
If you’re considering treatment, you are already at a point where you can acknowledge that your addiction to drugs or alcohol is negatively impacting multiple areas of your life. You are a candidate for treatment if you meet any of the following criteria:
Most Americans are aware of the dangers associated with drug addiction. Still, the general population does not fully comprehend the suffering and day-to-day struggles of the people–especially women–locked in the grip of opioid addiction. Women are more likely to be prescribed opioids than men and are more likely to develop a dependency. GBAC offers a rigorous, research-centered, practical approach to addiction treatment in the Boston area. Attending treatment for opioid addiction is inconvenient, but for many women, the alternative is worse.
Whether you are searching for partial hospitalization or outpatient services, we offer the tools, resources, and strategies to help you get–and stay–sober. GBAC also provides aftercare and sober living referral options as a means of relapse prevention. To find out more about our men’s drug addiction rehab program, don’t hesitate to contact GBAC today.
