ALCOHOL REHAB FOR WOMEN: SPECIALIZED RECOVERY
Within the United States alone, 14 million individuals abuse alcohol or suffer from alcoholism. That comes out to one out of every thirteen adults.
The disease of alcoholism is widespread, and the epidemic is not hindered by the plethora of evidence that the misuse of alcohol can have devastating consequences. The physical results of heavy drinking include increased risk of certain cancers, cirrhosis of the liver, immune dysfunction, and brain damage. The situational results are increased risk of tragic events like automobile-related deaths, homicides and suicides.
If alcoholism were a matter of logic or willpower, these facts would be more than enough to inspire alcoholics to control their drinking. Unfortunately, for an individual who suffers from the chronic disease of alcoholism, moderation does not exist.
If you believe that you or someone you love may be an alcoholic, do not let shame discourage you from approaching the problem as you would any other medical situation. Alcoholism is not universally understood, and misconceptions about its validity as a disease give rise to the social stigma it bears. Do not mistake alcoholism for a moral inadequacy in yourself or your loved one.
WOMEN AND ALCOHOL
Though traditionally viewed as men’s problems, alcoholism and alcohol abuse affect women equally, albeit with subtle differences. Approximately 200,000 women will lose their lives to alcohol-related illnesses this year, a number which dwarfs the death toll breast cancer will take by four times.
Women suffering from this deadly disease must not lose hope. Recovery is not easy, but it is accessible with the help of an organized program of alcohol rehab for women. Alcohol treatment programs that are gender-specific, like Safe Harbor Treatment Center for Women in Costa Mesa, California, employ treatment methods that are ideally suited to women, and offer a safe and nurturing environment. In alcohol rehab for women, residents focus not only on eliminating alcohol, but also on healing and regaining control of their lives. The self-worth gained in a program of this variety in combination with a restored sense of balance form a strong foundation on which to build long-term sobriety.
The disease of alcoholism, though equally serious for both genders, tends to manifest in different ways for women than men. Women are more likely than men to suffer from depression and low self-esteem as a result of prolonged drinking. They also tend to lose connection with any kind of social support network as their alcoholism progresses. Alcoholic women often come to view themselves as victims, completely losing any sense of self. An effective alcohol rehab for women takes these patterns into account, customizing the treatment program to specifically address the female alcoholic experience.
ALCOHOL REHAB FOR WOMEN
A residential alcohol rehab for women, like Safe Harbor Treatment Center, utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to recovery. Women are supported medically and therapeutically through the process of detoxification and withdrawal, and are then encouraged to explore co-occurring issues that they may face, for example eating disorders, sex and love addiction or post-traumatic stress disorder. Bringing these other problems into view in a safe all-female setting can relieve some of the shame and guilt that often causes women to drink. An effective alcohol rehab for women will also work with each client to develop an aftercare plan, which often involves continuing on to an all-women sober living home. Safe Harbor’s program offers a year of residence at one of five sober living houses following completion of the 90-day treatment program.
The core elements of treatment in alcohol rehab for women are detoxification, therapeutic interventions, and 12-step support groups. The first leg of the journey is the initial detoxification period. Alcohol rehab for women is medically supervised during this stage, as withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and painful. Medication may or may not be used to facilitate the detoxification process. Once the body has been rid of alcohol and had a few days to re-acclimate itself to sobriety, the client can be relocated to the residential facility where the remaining treatment will take place.
As a top-of-the-line alcohol rehab for women, Safe Harbor Treatment Center employs a variety of therapeutic techniques that help clients work through their alcoholism as well as other related issues that may contribute to their alcohol abuse. Group counseling constitutes a large portion of the curriculum at Safe Harbor, with groups focusing on topics like relapse prevention, experiential therapy, healthy relationships, body image and eating disorders. Though some of the topics discussed in group therapy are universally applicable to any alcoholic, many important issues that arise are exclusive to women. By keeping the treatment program gender-specific, Safe Harbor ensures that women feel comfortable engaging in these vulnerable discussions, which helps them release repressed emotions and thoughts that compound the problems created by alcoholism.
Individual therapy is also an essential component of a successful treatment program in alcohol rehab for women. Safe Harbor Treatment Center offers women the chance to benefit from two types of therapy. Psychotherapy focuses on exposing and working through core issues like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and other psychological conditions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to identify irrational thought patterns and reform them into healthy ways of thinking. Through the combination of these two distinct types of therapy, Safe Harbor provides each woman with a unique and individualized treatment program.
Crucial for maintaining a strong support system after treatment is completed, 12-step support groups allow residents in alcohol rehab for women an opportunity to extend their sobriety network. Safe Harbor’s treatment program is 12-step based, encouraging women to maintain strong sobriety and spiritual satisfaction through reaching out to other alcoholics in need. Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step groups provide an opportunity for women in Safe Harbor’s treatment program to find mentors. Once they have gathered a little more time sober, they can come to these same meetings to become mentors.
NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT
Alcohol rehab for women allows female alcoholics an opportunity to regain control of their lives. At Safe Harbor Treatment Center, women suffering from the disease of alcoholism can plant the seeds of change and nurture them as they grow into a vibrant recovery. Make the call for help today. We are here to help.
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