The rise of “Wine Mom” culture has become incredibly popular. While the memes and merchandise promoting it may seem humorous, it may not be a laughing matter for someone whose drinking habits have actually become a serious problem.
At Hill Country, we understand the unique obstacles that women face when it comes to receiving professional treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Our women’s addiction treatment program near San Antonio, TX, provides a safe, supportive environment where women can receive the help they need among peers experiencing similar struggles. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse and related mental health issues, we can help. Call 1.844.675.1628 to talk with an intake specialist and learn about treatment options specifically designed for women.
Understanding Women and Addiction
Addiction is a complex condition with far-reaching impact. And women who struggle with SUD face challenges that men don’t. Overall, women are more vulnerable to the effects of drugs and alcohol compared to men. Biological factors, like hormones, body composition, and metabolism, make the effects of drugs and alcohol occur more quickly and can be more intense.
Significant considerations about women and addiction include:
- The social stigma regarding addiction is greater, particularly for mothers1
- Women are more likely to experience trauma, including physical, mental, and sexual abuse which may lead to substance use as a coping mechanism2
- Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are more common among women, which may also lead to self-medication
- Women are more susceptible to violence and harm while under the influence3
Because women face pronounced social stigma surrounding addiction, they may be less likely to seek treatment and more prone to self-medicating to cope with mental health or relational challenges. Further, women are usually the primary caregivers in families, so it may be more difficult to step away from daily responsibilities and get the treatment they need. When talking specifically about alcohol, the “wine mom” phenomenon can serve as another barrier to treatment—normalizing the use of alcohol to manage stress.
How to Help a Loved One with Addiction
Addiction is referred to as a “family disease” because it impacts not only the individual but their family members and other close relationships. Addiction disrupts typical family role and contributes to dysfunctional family dynamics. For example, children may take on parental responsibilities to compensate for a parent’s inability to manage everyday tasks. Additionally, family members may unintentionally enable addiction by covering up or ignoring the issue.
If your loved one is struggling with addiction, learning ways you can help is just as essential as learning what types of things may be detrimental. You’re human, so experiencing a range of emotions, including guilt, anger, fear, shame, and helplessness in the face of addiction, is normal. Educating yourself can help you understand it for the disease that it is, not something someone chooses or wants. Arm yourself with knowledge. It’s the best first step toward helping a loved one with addiction.
Additional tips to help your loved one include:
- Connect with treatment programs in your area so you are prepared with viable treatment options
- Avoid the topic of treatment when your loved one is actively using
- When your loved one is sober, approach them with empathy and avoid judgment or blame
- Use “I” statements, like “I am concerned because…”
- Most people with addiction feel isolated and misunderstood, so be clear that you love and want to support them
- Avoid threats and ultimatums
- Set healthy boundaries to avoid enabling their behavior
- Offer an open invitation to take them to treatment or a 12-step meeting
- Consider arranging a professional intervention
Supporting a loved one with addiction is emotionally challenging. In your attempts to help your loved one, it is essential to prioritize your well-being. Practice self-care and seek support through groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon.
Enroll in Women’s Addiction Treatment Today at Hill Country
As a leader in addiction treatment, Hill Country understands the complexities surrounding women and addiction. Our women’s addiction treatment program addresses the issues unique to women in a safe and supportive environment. If you are looking for guidance on how to help a loved one with addiction, Hill Country can help. Contact us online or call 1.844.675.1628 to enroll your loved one in our specialized women’s program.
Sources:
- National Library of Medicine – Helping Women Suffering from Drug Addiction: Needs, Barriers, and Challenges
- National Library of Medicine – Is traumatic stress a vulnerability factor for women with substance use disorders?
- National Library of Medicine – Gender and Country Differences in Alcohol-Aggression Expectancy and Alcohol-Related Intimate Partner Violence