September is National Recovery Month, a celebration of the people who have achieved freedom from substance use disorders and the myriad paths they have taken to get there. Though addiction and its associated mental health issues are highly treatable, many women struggle for years without asking for help, while others never seek assistance at all. Educating yourself on the current research surrounding women and addiction recovery can help you decide how, where and when to pursue your new, sober lifestyle.
Unique Treatment Barriers Facing Women
Sadly, women who need substance abuse treatment might be less likely than men to receive the professional help they need, due to factors like these.
- Often, women who are accustomed to doing most of the emotional labor in their relationships could let acute shame or guilt hold them back from confiding their needs to others.
- Women who tell others they are enrolling in a treatment program may be subject to significant discrimination and stigma, specifically in the workplace.
- Co-occurring mental health disorders such as trauma might make women hesitant or afraid to share their problems with relative strangers.
- Most women earn less than their male counterparts due to the gender pay gap. As a result, they may believe they cannot afford to enter rehab.
- Women tend to handle more unpaid labor like child care, cooking and housework, and might not have any family members or supporters who can step in and shoulder these responsibilities while they focus on regaining their wellness.
Motivational Quotes for Women
Societally, we still teach girls to set their needs aside in favor of taking care of others. For centuries, this attitude has held women back from pursuing opportunities that might have allowed them to bloom into the best, most dynamic version of themselves.
Next time you find yourself feeling uninspired, unworthy or stuck in a rut, turn to the wisdom of other powerful women for a newfound burst of motivation.
“What would the world look like if girls were taught they were volcanoes, whose eruptions were a thing of beauty, a power to behold and a force not to be trifled with?” – Mona Eltahawy
“I am too intelligent, too demanding and too resourceful for anyone to be able to take charge of me entirely. No one knows me or loves me completely. I have only myself.” – Simone de Beauvoir
“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” – Marie Curie
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.” – Maya Angelou
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” – Serena Williams
A Supportive, Empowering Environment for Recovery
At Rising Roads, we believe women thrive when they lift each other up and provide positivity and encouragement to someone else. At our Orange County rehab for women, living a rewarding and healthy life without drugs and alcohol is not only possible; it is within your reach.
We are here to help you learn the coping skills necessary to handle stressors and overcome challenges in a supportive, single-gender environment. Reach out to us today to learn more about our levels of care.
