Women may or may not be drinking more than they used to. It is not known exactly how many women abused alcohol in the past, because of the stigma attached to the substance. What is known, however, is that drinking and substance abuse among women in the U.S. today is widespread and on the rise. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, an approximate six million American women are alcohol-dependent, and 2.6 million have issues with substance abuse. Not only that, the number of DUI arrests for women rose thirty percent between 1998 and 2007, an indication that the problem is increasing.
Those At Risk
Studies show that women who are in a violent environment are more prone to substance abuse. According to a recent study on substance abuse among women, seventy-four percent of addicted women had had some kind of sexual abuse and fifty-two percent reported physical abuse at some point in their past. This included girls who were raised under violent domestic circumstances.
Emotional abuse also plays a big part. Women oppressed by relationship troubles, work pressures, or who simply have someone in their environment who is continually creating stress are more inclined to turn to drugs or alcohol for comfort. Sources of stress are varied and personal to each individual. It may even be something as simple as the worry and uncertainty created by watching the news.
Some women also turn to substance abuse when they feel isolated and alone, such as after a divorce, after the loss of a spouse, or when home with children all day.
Cunning Cocktails
Wine has earned a name as the acceptable drink of choice among women. It seems to represent sensuality and sophistication, an elegant way to unwind after a long day. Clever marketing has presented it as cultured, amicable drink, not one that would be downed to get “hammered”. However, wine has a higher alcohol content than most drinks, some as high as fourteen percent. Port and sherry can contain more than twenty percent alcohol. It is because of this beguiling side of wine that many women find themselves addicted.
And this problem can start out innocently enough; with a glass of wine at dinner or a social event. But the problem can spiral out of control easily because most women do not expect to start becoming dependent on the alcohol.
Other Substances
Women are also finding themselves hooked on prescription and over-the-counter drugs when they least expect it. This includes such substances as:
• Oxycontin
• Vicodin
• Percocet
• Methadone
• Hydrocodone
• Sleep medicine
• Cough syrup
A woman may start taking these substances for medical reasons, such as after dental work or an operation, and find herself quickly reliant on it just to feel normal. If she begins taking it in a way that’s not prescribed by the doctor, or craving it or feeling symptoms of withdrawal after stopping, she may be addicted.
Many women may turn to heroin after this, as it produces the same high and prescription opioids but is less expensive.
When to Get Help
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that one drink per day for women is usually an acceptable amount. However, if you find yourself increasingly drinking more each day, drinking earlier in the day, craving more alcohol, or if the thought of making it through the day without a drink is unbearable, it is likely that you are alcohol-dependent.
This is even if you crave one drink per day every day. Seek immediate help if you think there is a problem. For more Narconon news on this subject contact us.
Source: http://www.voxxi.com/drinking-substance-abuse-women/