Drug abuse in the U.S. is on the rise, with many people not understanding the full effects or the dangers of abusing drugs or alcohol. Recognizing drug abuse in women is difficult if you don’t know what signs to look for. Women who abuse drugs may go to great lengths to hide it, making it even more difficult to tell if and when they need help.
The Ranch is a full-service addiction treatment center that supports women who are struggling with an addiction to cocaine, meth, or who are misusing their prescription drugs. We will evaluate your condition to determine the best course of action in treating all symptoms. Addiction programs use behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication to ease disruptive symptoms and promote a healthy and sober lifestyle.
If you or a loved one can benefit from our women’s rehab program, call 1.844.876.7680 today to speak with our compassionate team and schedule an interview.
Why Do Women Abuse Drugs?
Men and women use drugs and alcohol for different reasons. For instance, women are more likely to turn to drugs to self-medicate, suffer substance abuse side effects, and experience intense cravings.
Prescription drug misuse is a major concern for women, and millions of women struggle with it. It can be very easy for people to take prescription drugs and mix them with other drugs or alcohol. If they do this for an extended period, it can lead to a substance use disorder and require several months of treatment.
Why do women abuse drugs? There are many reasons, including:
- Unresolved stress and trauma
- Mental health concerns
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship issues
- High levels of pain
If you or a female friend is struggling with drug abuse, there is help available. The Ranch has separate men’s and women’s rehab programs that focus on the issues that most affect them. Our programs treat drug abuse in women through a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, family therapy, and other beneficial therapies.
Recognizing Drug Abuse in Women
Recognizing drug abuse in women can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are tell-tale signs that indicate they need a recovery program. Here are several ways that you can recognize the signs of drug abuse in women:
Physical Signs of Drug Abuse
Drug addiction can wreak havoc on your body and make you vulnerable to certain diseases and medical conditions, like heart disease and certain cancers. Some of the common physical signs of drug abuse include:
- Delusions
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss or gain
- Feeling tired all of the time
- Aggressive behaviors
- Agitation
If they are abusing their prescription medications and cannot refill them, women are more likely to turn to illegal drugs, like meth, heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.
Mental Health Signs of Drug Abuse
Drug addiction has a significant effect on the mind, and long-term drug abuse can lead to serious mental health issues. Depression and anxiety are very common in women who abuse drugs. Other mental health signs of drug abuse include:
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
- Lack of motivation
- Inattentiveness
- Changes in their personality
- A constant state of anxiousness
Women who struggle with depression, anxiety, or PTSD are more likely to abuse drugs to ease their symptoms.
Other Signs of Drug Abuse
There are other signs of drug abuse in women that you can look for that point to a growing problem. They will begin to struggle to keep up with work, school, or personal responsibilities. They will have financial trouble as they try to feed the addiction and use money for bills or food to buy more drugs. If you suspect someone is abusing drugs, look for drug paraphernalia like glass pipes, bongs, burnt spoons, roach clips, and other types of paraphernalia.
Call Today to Enroll in Women’s Rehab at The Ranch
The Ranch welcomes women who are struggling with prescription drug misuse or another substance use disorder and are ready for a new start. When you first arrive for treatment, we will run a full health assessment to determine which programs will best suit you. We have residential and outpatient treatment programs that use cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic therapy to create a whole-person recovery experience.
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction, fill out our online form or call 1.844.876.7680 today to take that first step toward a better life.
