The words alcoholic and addict conjure up images for all of us. This article is geared for women. Many women who are afflicted with the condition of addiction hold an image that is very different from who they are as people. Historically, women have often been diagnosed with the condition when it is in the late stages of the disease. Over the years, I continue to have the honor of working with women who seek to recover and I see this as a privilege. The disease of addiction knows no socio-economic boundaries. These women are from every walk of life. Women and men have differences in addiction. Women also differ greatly among themselves and come from an array of different backgrounds. See if any of these categories apply to you.
The list below of women who are afflicted with addiction is identified in the work of Lisa Najavits, PhD.
High Status Women
Women, who are wealthy. Their addiction problems often go unnoticed for a long time.
High Functioning
Women who have succeeded professionally in law or medicine. Their addiction problems also often go unnoticed for a long time.
Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender Women
Some studies show higher rates of substance use in LGBT individuals.
Women with medical illness or disabilities
Substances are often used to lessen physical pain. Addictions to painkillers or non-prescribed medication is well known.
Women in the Helping Professions
The tendency to “give all” and lose touch with our own needs is a known danger in the helping professions.
Older Women
One of the most common patterns among women is the use of substances to cope with aging and “lost roles” throughout the lifespan.
Minority Women
A common belief has been that minorities use substances more than whites. Yet many groups of minority women have lower rates of use and abuse than Caucasian women.
Rural Women
While it is changing, the lack of specialized services in rural area can make it much more difficult for women to obtain addiction treatment.
Single Professional Women
At one time this group of women was among the most likely to be heavy drinkers.
Pregnant Women
Children whose mothers smoked or drank during pregnancy have higher rates of many medical problems
Teenage Girls
Housewives
Inner city women
Women in prison
Women Veterans
Women with emotional disorders
Women with a history of violence or trauma
While being a woman can play a role in addiction, we are all subject to life-factors such as: spiritual, physical, and emotional problems, geography, age, race, and family history also shape addiction. Next month, we will look towards how to begin telling your story to yourself and a trusted other while acknowledging your strength.
Najavits, Lisa M. A Woman’s Addiction Workbook: Your Guide to in-Depth Healing. New Harbinger, 2002.
