Women in Recovery

Addiction doesn't care about class, color, creed or continent. It just happens. But still it comes with stigma.

People all across the planet talk about this disease of addiction in little moments and big pictures, in tabloids and gossip columns, in a million tiny messages that add up to something certifiably and scientifically incorrect: "People make bad choices: that's why they're addicted."

Now add a million more messages just like it, and there's the devastating power of stigma—and it's working double time to make a dig at women. Our job? To deconstruct and dismantle those troublesome mistruths. This Q&A will help you get started.

Do addiction and active recovery look different for women?

They certainly can. Women often progress faster in addiction than men, face different barriers to receiving treatment and confront entirely different struggles in recovery—based on gendered stereotypes, social networks, communication styles, cultural narratives and more.

Are women diagnosed with substance use disorders as often as men?

Historically, men have a higher reported rate of substance misuse, abuse and dependence, but women are rapidly closing the gap. Today young and middle-aged women are addicted to alcohol and other drugs at nearly the same rates as men.

Are women often misdiagnosed?

In the past, women often received medical or mental health evaluations without being asked about their drinking or drug use. This is a major problem considering substance use can mirror or mask the symptoms of a mental health disorder.

Fortunately, the medical and treatment fields are much better at identifying and diagnosing substance use disorders in women today. But no one will fault you for being skeptical…or for being quick to self-advocate.

Because women are more likely than men to experience co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression or PTSD, integrated treatment—programs that address both addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges—is now the gold standard in women’s recovery programs.

Why do women get addicted quicker? Does it matter?

Female bodies process alcohol and other addictive substances differently than men's:

• Women have less of the stomach enzyme that breaks down alcohol, which leads to greater blood alcohol concentration.
• Women tend to have more fatty tissue than men, so alcohol is better absorbed into the bloodstream.

Because of these biological differences, women's brains and organs are exposed to higher concentrations of blood alcohol for longer periods of time.

What barriers do women face when seeking help for addiction?

Everyone in recovery confronts stigma at some point, but stigma for women is often louder and more damaging. Mothers, in particular, face unique stigma and logistical challenges in seeking help. Concerns about custody, childcare and societal judgment often delay treatment. Programs that offer parenting support, family therapy and child-friendly services are increasingly in demand.

In addition to stigma, other common barriers for women include:

• Lower wages/less income
• Fear of losing custody of children
• Lack of access to resources
• Feeling unworthy of receiving help

Many women in recovery have experienced trauma, including domestic violence, sexual abuse or emotional neglect. Trauma-informed care—an approach that recognizes and responds to these experiences—is now considered essential in effective treatment programs for women.

Should women consider specialized services like gender-specific treatment?

Gender-specific programs can be incredibly beneficial for some women, while others might prefer simpler programming that's sensitive to gender issues.

It goes without saying: any co-occurring mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, deserve their own attention and could benefit from specialized treatment.

Gender-sensitive or -specific programming can also help with:

• Women's relationships
• Food addiction and eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Hormonal concerns and more

With the rise of telehealth and hybrid care models, more women are accessing treatment while managing work, childcare or other caregiving responsibilities. Flexible scheduling and virtual therapy have become vital tools in reducing barriers to care.

Should women address anything specific in early recovery?

After the isolation of addiction, most women are relieved to simply connect with others, finding great joy in their growing recovery community. Obviously, any pressing issues that might lead to relapse are the first priority, but addressing other kinds of shame-based narratives should be next on the list.

In early recovery, many women find it worthwhile to also reframe their relationship to:

• Food and body image
• Self-esteem and worth
• Stress and boredom
• Romantic relationships
• Marriage and support systems
• Self-medication

Peer-led recovery groups and women-specific sober communities are gaining popularity. These spaces offer emotional safety, shared experiences and long-term support that many women find essential to sustained recovery.

What kind of therapy or treatment setting is most productive for women with substance use disorders?

Guilt and shame are powerful deterrents for women seeking help for addiction. So it's important to find and work with addiction or mental health professionals who know how to keep people accountable without blame, fault-finding or judgment.

The old "break-them-down-to-build-them-up" approach doesn't work because many women already feel broken when they check into treatment. Healthy connection and relationships are better motivators—the ability to connect with others and have a sense of belonging, not reaggravate guilt and shame.

Are there any high-risk or relapse situations specific to women?

Most high-risk situations are universal and can cause a relapse in anyone who isn't careful. But women can (and probably want to) pay special attention to:

• Cravings
• The beginning or end of relationships
• Physical pain
• Isolation
• Hormonal changes or imbalances
• Periods of high stress
• Boredom and complacency

A Final Word of Advice

Addiction is beatable. Women can and do recover, often together, all the time. Many women respond well to a Twelve Step-inspired program of recovery.

For issues that require professional help, there are specialized services and caring clinicians who can help you unweave shame and stigma, cope with mental health concerns, process trauma and family of origin experiences, or address gender-specific issues—guiding you toward self-loving health.

Help is here. Just reach out and ask.