Psychological Impact On Substance Abuse Prevention

Psychological Impact According to Federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, women are the fastest-growing segment for substance abuse in the United States. About 2.7 million women in the United States abuse drugs or alcohol. Women typically enter rehab sooner than men, but they have more psychological distress, and are more likely to suffer from a mood or anxiety disorder (Liff, 2012). Most research on gender-based differences in addiction treatment has focused on organizational issues (such as the greater need to provide women with child care and employment training) rather than on pharmacology. Where addiction really takes a toll is emotionally and spiritually. When a woman is an alcoholic or addict, it can impact the entire†¦show more content†¦Women are more likely to be diagnosed as having â€Å"borderline personality disorder† (BPD) more often than men. Many of the descriptors of BPD can be viewed differently when one considers a history of childhood and adult abuse. Solutions, Treatments, and Interventions Historically, substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation programs have developed with the primary focus on men. Counselors focused primarily on the addiction and paid little attention to other issues. However, the individual and specialized needs of women and girls have been all but ignored over the years. Recently though, some facilities have begun to develop gender specific treatment programs so women and men can focus on their recovery without interference and distractions from the opposite sex. Gender specific treatment is more than just separating males and females on the basis of sex. It takes into account the unique characteristics of women’s psychological development and needs. Traditional substance abuse programs may not be effective in treating women’s and girl’s substance abuse problems. According to one theory called RCT, females develop a sense of self and self-worth when their actions arise out of, and lead back into, connections with others. Recent gender-specific prevention programs with positive results address stress, depression, social assertiveness, and body image. Other issues include domestic violence, sexual and other types of