Women are the fastest-growing segment for substance use disorders in the United States. According to the Federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, about 2.7 million women in the United States abuse drugs or alcohol and suffer from substance use disorders. Sadly, many women are reluctant to acknowledge their struggles and seek support.
Some of the more common and challenging obstacles include:
Child Welfare – Women with children often confront the possibility of being temporarily separated from their children or losing legal custody. As women are often the primary or solitary care giver, the difficulties are two-fold. Women may turn to substance use as a way to cope with the struggles of life as a care giver, but are also less likely to seek treatment as they do not want to lose their children.
Personal Trauma – Women with a history of physical and/or sexual trauma often turn to substance use as a coping mechanism.
Financial Burdens – Women tend to have greater concerns about paying for treatment in comparison to their male counterparts, as many women often earn less, are underemployed or unemployed.
Psychological and Emotional – Women often view their own substance use as a temporary coping mechanism, turning to substances to help them manage the demands of the work/life balance. Women often believe that their substance use is the outcome of anxiety or depression, treating the behavioral health issue while ignoring the addiction.
Luckily, each day more and more women are turning to treatment for their substance use disorders and are finding a path to recovery. Despite the stigmas that persist about substance use disorders, the women on the path of recovery are so much more than their past or their addictions. They are our mothers, daughters, granddaughters. They are our friends, teachers, mentors. They are innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders. “We recognize the obstacles women face with addiction, and offer tailored care to
suit their special needs. From our specialized female and PPI programs, to our counseling and women’s only areas, we strive to help women rebuild their lives,” said Bill Bailey, CEO. At Cenikor, we are driven to help these women find their way along their path of recovery.
Carla’s powerful story is a testament of a woman in recovery.
“I grew up in a great house and my parents were not addicts. I had everything I needed, including love, but something was always missing.” says Carla Crochet, Cenikor Graduate and Business Manager. Carla was introduced to drugs at 13 which temporarily filled that void with false strength and power, but her drug use put her on a downward spiral eventually resulting in homelessness.
“I came to Cenikor at 37 years old with the mentality of a 13 year old. I had not grown-up and had no idea who I was.” Carla had her share of struggles in the Cenikor program, being terminated from Deer Park and later admitted in Baton Rouge, but she learned to find her way outside of her negative behaviors and to a place of self-respect. “While working my program, I focused on being a true role model for the females in population. Learning the true meaning of respect was powerful for me.” Carla completed the Baton Rouge long-term program, took part in Cenikor’s intern program and now serves as Business Manager for Deer Park.
Let's Do This!