Substance abuse impacts millions of Americans. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 60.1 of Americans aged 12 and older used a substance in the past month. Men and women struggle with addiction differently, and drug rehab centers treat men and women differently. Across the nation are men-only and women-only substance abuse treatment. Typically, men and women approach treatment differently. For example, men are less likely to ask for help, but more men are in rehabilitation than women. According to the National Institute on Drug Use, women develop substance use disorders quicker than men. Also, women develop more anxiety disorders and suffer from more panic attacks. Approximately four million women report past-year misuse of pain medication, and 55% of treatment admissions for barbiturate abuse are women.
Generally, women are better at identifying problems with addiction and taking the necessary steps to get help. During a family intervention, women are usually easier to convince to attend treatment; however, statistically, women do not remain in treatment longer than men. Many women struggle with being away from their families, which includes their children. Unfortunately, when women leave treatment and return to a home environment where there is stress, other people that are addicted, or access to drugs or alcohol, the relapses are worse. Remaining in treatment is the best option, and it takes the support and help from family and friends.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, women are more likely than men to face multiple barriers to accessing substance abuse treatment. Research shows that gender-specific treatment is no more effective than mixed-gender treatment. However, certain women may only seek treatment in women-only programs for specific reasons. Women-only treatment programs pay greater attention to the women in their programs and their special needs. However,