Men and women abuse drugs and alcohol for different reasons. Men are more likely to experiment with illicit drugs, but women are more likely to develop a substance use disorder than men. This is due to the way we handle alcohol and stress. Stress is a key risk factor for addiction, and those with high stress levels are at a greater risk of developing a substance use disorder.
The Ranch is a full-service addiction treatment center near Nashville and welcomes those who struggle with an addiction to alcohol, cocaine, meth, or other addictive substances. To learn more about our women’s rehab in Nashville, call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a consultation and meet our dedicated team.
Understanding the Relationship Between Alcohol and Stress
Alcohol is a depressant that disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. It signals a massive release of dopamine and serotonin that causes euphoria, confusion, depression, anger, and violence. For those who deal with a lot of stress, having a drink or two after work seems OK. Unfortunately, one or two drinks become three or four, and before you know it, you have a substance use disorder.
Women are at a higher risk of developing an addiction to alcohol caused by stress. Women with anxiety or high stress levels may turn to alcohol to cope with the various symptoms, which include:
- Body aches and pains
- Insomnia or hyposomnia
- Low energy
- Unfocused or cloudy thinking
- Changes in appetite
Women who have children and drink are often called “wine moms,” or they call wine “mommy juice” to distract from the fact that they have a problem. They do this as a means of coping with the effects of alcohol and stress, and while it may seem like they are in control, they are not. Soon, it may reach a point where, instead of one or two glasses, it’s one or two bottles.
At The Ranch, we welcome women who are struggling with an addiction to alcohol caused by high levels of stress and anxiety. Our programs are tailored to the individual and will include behavioral and holistic therapies, along with medical support to benefit your recovery.
The Benefits of Women’s Rehab
A women’s rehab program has many benefits. Clients learn how to deal with family stress and other issues that contribute to the addiction. They will have a safe space where women can talk about the things that are important to them and learn how to cope with stress without alcohol.
Here are some of the benefits of a women’s rehab program:
Addiction Education
Therapists will teach women and their families about the dangers of alcohol and how it can consume them and make them act out of character. They learn what it will take to recover and the therapies used in the process.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication is used to reduce addiction withdrawals, cravings, and other symptoms that are disruptive to the recovery process. For women who deal with high stress, they may prescribe an antianxiety medication along with other medications to ease withdrawals. As addiction symptoms fade, they will begin tapering off the medication until it is no longer necessary.
Shared Experiences
Many experiences are shared only by women, and they will have an easier time opening up in a gender-neutral environment. Women can talk about motherhood, family life, menstruation, work, and other life experiences that do not affect men.
The relationships you form during therapy can become a strong support system for you that will help you during difficult days when temptations and cravings come back.
Family Therapy
Family stress can cause women to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Families will participate in therapy sessions to talk about any issues that are causing stress and work to resolve them together.
Call Today to Start Women’s Rehab in Nashville at The Ranch
The Ranch welcomes women who struggle with an addiction to alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or other deadly substances brought on by high levels of stress. If you would like to talk more about the effects of alcohol and stress on women, call 1.844.876.7680 today or complete our online form to schedule a consultation and tour.
