by Ben Keylor | Feb 17, 2025 | Addiction Treatment, Early Sobriety
The iconic American poet Walt Whitman famously said, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” Millions of people are unable to see this “sunshine.” This is because they struggle with issues of anxiety and alcohol use disorder. The good news is there are many means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from not just one affliction but both.
Better Understanding Addiction
Addiction is more prevalent than many people realize; it’s one of the most prominent health issues both in the U.S. and around the world. This is especially true with alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is the most common form of addiction worldwide.
Many people are also unsure of what addiction is. These people often minimize addiction as some sort of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply false. Addiction is a disease and is more similar to other chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes than it is a choice.
Addiction is also a “family disease.” This is because addiction does not just affect the individual, but it affects everyone and everything it touches. It has been said that addiction is like a tornado that rips through the lives of everyone in its path. Again, this can be especially true with AUD.
Better Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), “28.9 million people ages 12 and older (10.2% in this age group) had AUD in the past year. This includes 16.8 million males ages 12 and older (12.1% in this age group),” and “12.0 million females ages 12 and older (8.3% in this age group.” AUD also causes significant harm to both the individual struggling and the loved ones around them.
According to the peer-reviewed journal Cureus, “Time and again history has proven that this fatal addiction [AUD] could make the life of those who consume it terrible. Also, the lives of the dear ones of alcoholic people are affected as alcohol not only affects those who consume them but also kin and friends. Various research studies conducted over many years clearly show the association of prolonged alcohol intake in the causation, aggravation, worsening, and deterioration of the health of its consumers.” Similar effects can be felt by those struggling with severe anxiety (as well as those around them).
Better Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety affects millions of people around the world. Also, this is not just “worry” (though that is certainly part of it). Anxiety is a clinical condition that needs professional help if one is going to get better and live a more functional life.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Feeling anxious is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, school, work, or family. However, anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry or fear. For people with these disorders, anxiety does not go away, is felt in many situations, and can get worse over time.” There are also many types of anxiety disorders. This includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobia-related disorders.
Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common form of anxiety disorder. It is also one that many people struggle with and don’t even realize it. This is often because they feel that everyday “worry” is just a normal part of life. The reality is that it should not be.
According to NIMH, “[P]eople with GAD feel extremely worried or nervous more frequently about these and other things – even when there is little or no reason to worry about them. GAD usually involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread that interferes with how you live your life. It is not the same as occasionally worrying about things or experiencing anxiety due to stressful life events.” Another very common form of anxiety disorder is panic disorder.
Understanding Panic Disorder
According to NIMH, “People with panic disorder have frequent and unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are characterized by a sudden wave of fear or discomfort or a sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger or trigger. Not everyone who experiences a panic attack will develop panic disorder.” This last aspect of panic disorder is important because, while not everyone who has a panic attack may have panic disorder, they should still seek professional help to be sure.
It is also important to understand that panic attacks can often arise from underlying trauma. Many people don’t realize just how common trauma is around the world. This is true both in first-world and third-world countries.
According to the peer-reviewed journal Psychological Medicine, “General population studies have shown that a large proportion of people in developed countries have been exposed to at least one TE [traumatic event] in their lifetime (estimates from 28 to 90%), with the most common events being the unexpected death of a loved one, motor vehicle accidents and being mugged. Much more limited evidence for less developed countries suggests that fatalities due to injuries and accidents are more common in low and middle-income countries than in high-income countries; for example, road injuries are the 10th leading cause of lost years of life in developed countries and the 8th leading cause in developing countries.” Social anxiety disorder can also be caused by trauma.
Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is often the most discussed anxiety disorder. This is because many people feel that they struggle with it. However, there are certain criteria that must be met to be diagnosed with social anxiety disorder.
According to NIMH, “Social anxiety disorder is a common type of anxiety disorder. A person with social anxiety disorder feels symptoms of anxiety or fear in situations where they may be scrutinized, evaluated, or judged by others, such as speaking in public, meeting new people, dating, being on a job interview, answering a question in class, or having to talk to a cashier in a store. Doing everyday things, such as eating or drinking in front of others or using a public restroom, may also cause anxiety or fear due to concerns about being humiliated, judged, and rejected.” There are also those who struggle with phobias alongside their social anxiety.
Many people have heard of various phobias throughout their lives, such as a fear of flying and a fear of snakes. However, it is important to note that phobias are more intense than simply experiencing unpleasant fear.
Phobias and various phobia-related disorders can be debilitating. They also require serious and direct intervention to overcome them. Often, this is done via psychotherapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is also commonly used to help individuals who struggle with co-occurring anxiety and alcohol use.
Better Understanding Co-Occurring Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
Many people don’t realize just how common co-occurring issues of mental health and addiction actually are. This includes anxiety and alcohol use disorder (AUD). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders…. Of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders, 37.9% also had mental illnesses. Among the 42.1 million adults with mental illness, 18.2% also had substance use disorders.”
It’s also true that many people are unsure of which issue they acquired first. This is because many people choose to manage their anxiety by self-medicating with alcohol. Then, there are millions of people who become addicted to alcohol, and as a byproduct, they end up struggling with an anxiety disorder. Regardless of which came first, the reality is that the signs and symptoms of anxiety and AUD often look the same.
The Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
Anxiety and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are complex diseases, and, yes, as previously mentioned, they are diseases. Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of anxiety and AUD are going to vary based on the individual. However, there are some universal signs that someone may be struggling. The following are just a few of those universal signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Loss of appetite and sudden changes in weight (loss or gain)
- Feeling overly anxious, nervous, or “stressed out”
- Struggles with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Having feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness
- Feeling depressed
- Engaging in other risky behaviors
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Not being able to stop
- Harming oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, anxiety and AUD should never be minimized. They can be life or death. This is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. The good news is that there is hope and help.
Recovering From Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
There are many effective ways to treat anxiety and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The key is to treat them at the same time. If one issue is treated and not the other there is a significant chance of one of them coming back. Also, if one issue comes back, the other is usually not far behind.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people struggling with these issues to either get under-treated or not get the treatment that they require at all. According to the peer-reviewed journal Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, “There is evidence for substantial [under-treatment] of anxiety disorders. In a large European study, only 20.6% of participants with an anxiety disorder sought professional help. Of those participants who contacted health care services, 23.2% received no treatment at all, 19.6% received only psychological treatment, 30.8% received only drug treatment, and 26.5% were treated both with drugs and psychotherapy.”
However, those who do seek treatment should do so in a multi-angled way. This means that they should utilize as many modalities as possible for recovery. This includes experiential therapies like nature immersion and art therapy, holistic healing methods like yoga and mindfulness meditation, and “traditional” psychotherapies like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
‘Traditional’ Therapy for Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
Psychotherapy is a common method for treating anxiety and alcohol use disorder (AUD). This is because psychotherapy works at getting to the underlying issues that often cause anxiety and AUD.
Psychotherapy works to help show an individual the negative way that they have been viewing themselves and the world around them. Once this realization is made, then the individual can start to work on their negative cognitions (thoughts), emotions (feelings), and behaviors (actions) associated with their anxiety and AUD. Experiential therapies can also be highly effective at treating anxiety and AUD.
Experiential Therapy for Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
Experiential therapy is more about the “experiences” an individual has, rather than mere discussion (though, of course, this is a big part of it). Nature immersion therapy is one of the most used and most effective types of experiential therapy. This is because nature has been shown to be highly effective at helping an individual recover from issues of mental illness and addiction.
According to the U.S. National Park Service, “5 minutes walking in nature improves mood, self-esteem, and relaxation. Frequent exposure to nature reduces anxiety and depression while promoting a sense of wellbeing and fulfillment.” Also, “physical activity in a green space can reduce stress and lower cortisol levels by 15%.” Nature immersion therapy also offers a myriad of other benefits.
The benefits of nature have long been known. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Individuals living and interacting in green spaces (GS) report being more energetic, in good overall health and, have more of a sense of meaningful purpose in life. Current scientific findings are illuminating what humans intuitively know: nature has great benefits for the human brain and this is shown through increased happiness, health/well-being, and cognition. Historically speaking, Cyrus the Great intuitively built lush green gardens in the crowded urban capital of Persia 2500 years ago to increase human health and promote a sense of ‘calm’ in a busy city.” Holistic healing methods also offer this sense of calm.
Holistic Healing Methods for Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
The iconic yoga and spiritual leader B.K.S. Iyengar famously said, “As animals, we walk the earth. As bearers of divine essence, we are among the stars. As human beings, we are caught in the middle, seeking to reconcile the paradox of how to make our way upon earth while striving for something more permanent and more profound.” Holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation have been around for thousands of years.
Initially, these holistic methods were used solely as religious and/or spiritual practices, but they have since moved into other areas, including recovery. Yoga and meditation offer many benefits. These benefits include a better sense of peace and serenity, better balance and flexibility, and lowered stress (which is ideal for anxiety).
Working With Others: 12-Step Recovery for Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorder
It has been said that working with others is essential for addiction recovery. This is even discussed in the primary text of 12-Step recovery (commonly referred to as the Big Book).
The Big Book states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail…. You can help when no one else can.” Working with others truly helps both parties involved.
The Importance of Long-Term Success at Northstar Recovery Center
Here at Northstar Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This includes our day treatment plans, which are always comprehensive and individualized, focusing on the future.
Recovery is out there. There is hope. We can help.
Many people don’t realize that alcohol is a depressant. This also means that many people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) also struggle with anxiety. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from both AUD and anxiety. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about the best recovery options for AUD and anxiety, please reach out to Northstar Recovery Center today at (888) 311-0911.
by Ben Keylor | Jan 21, 2025 | Addiction Treatment, Early Sobriety
Taking time off work to focus on your recovery is a brave step, especially when facing feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment. It’s normal to feel self-conscious about stepping away from your job to attend an addiction treatment program, but remember that your health and well-being must come first. By choosing to seek help, you are choosing a life of freedom and possibility. Addiction is a disease, and treating it with the seriousness it deserves is one of the most courageous things you can do for yourself and your future.
That being said, going back to work after treatment for addiction or alcoholism is a monumental step in your journey to lasting recovery. If you’re nearing the end of your treatment, you might be feeling both excited and anxious about the idea of returning to work. Chances are you’ll experience a mix of emotions as you step back into the routine of work life, but with the right mindset, tools, and support, you can make this transition successfully. Here’s how to navigate this critical phase of your recovery.
Utilize Your Employer and Government Benefits
If you are employed, take advantage of your employer’s health benefits, including any employee assistance programs (EAPs) or short-term disability benefits, to ensure you have the resources you need to get the help you deserve. In many cases, your employer may offer confidential support and may even provide flexibility in taking the time you need to get well.
Additionally, many government programs are designed to assist individuals in recovery. If you’re unsure where to start, your treatment center’s case management team can be a great resource for connecting you with these benefits. Taking proactive steps to build a solid foundation for recovery is key to lasting change, and knowing you have financial support during this time can ease the burden and stress of stepping away from work.
While you’re in treatment, it’s essential to recognize which aspects of your job could act as triggers for relapse. Is the work environment stressful? Do you feel isolated? Are there certain coworkers or situations that could tempt you to return to old habits? Discussing these potential triggers with your treatment team can help you develop a plan for coping strategies.
By identifying triggers and preparing your toolkit of strategies to stay sober, you’ll be better equipped to handle difficult situations when you return to work. This could include deep-breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, attending a lunchtime recovery meeting, or identifying a coworker or supervisor to check in with when you’re feeling vulnerable..
Communicate Honestly and Gratefully with Your Employer
As you approach the end of treatment, it’s important to have an honest conversation with your employer about your return. Transparency, while maintaining appropriate boundaries, helps set the stage for rebuilding trust and ensuring that your employer understands your plans for reintegration. Your employer might be more understanding than you expect, especially if they have been supportive of your addiction treatment journey.
Honest communication might include explaining your treatment process, acknowledging that you’re still in the recovery phase, and discussing any accommodations you might need as you transition back into the workplace. This can help rebuild confidence and demonstrate that you’re committed to both your personal growth and your work.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a job waiting for you when you get out of treatment, be sure to express your gratitude. Returning to a supportive environment is a gift, and showing appreciation for the understanding your employer has shown will go a long way in reinforcing a positive, healthy relationship.
Build a Recovery Plan for Outside of Treatment
Recovery doesn’t stop when addiction treatment ends—it’s a lifelong job. If you want to stay sober, you need to keep nurturing your recovery outside of a clinical setting. This might include attending 90 meetings in 90 days, getting a sponsor, temporarily living in a sober home, taking volunteer positions at Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and finding sobriety-focused podcasts, recovery apps and social media accounts.
Additionally, seeking ongoing support from a therapist or counselor, reading recovery literature, and building a sober support network are essential tools to help you stay on track. The relationships you form within the recovery community can provide the emotional and spiritual support necessary to maintain your sobriety long-term.
You might also consider enrolling in outpatient addiction treatment like PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) or IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program). These day treatment programs, sometimes referred to as aftercare, provide additional help staying motivated and on track while addressing underlying causes of addiction like mental health.
Be Realistic About Your Limitations
It’s important to acknowledge that after an extended time away, you may feel overwhelmed as you re-enter the workforce. While you will want to perform well, it’s okay if your “best foot” is not 100% during the early days of your return. You may still be adjusting to a new routine or managing the physical and emotional effects of recovery. Be kind to yourself and set realistic goals as you ease back into your responsibilities.
Staying within your limitations and not overloading yourself is crucial to long-term success. Ask for help when needed, prioritize your sobriety, and remember that recovery is a gradual process—both in the workplace and in your personal life.
We’re Here to Help
Returning to work after treatment for addiction or alcoholism is a journey that requires careful planning, honest communication, and a solid commitment to your recovery. You have already shown tremendous courage by seeking help—now take the next step and apply that same courage as you re-enter your work life, knowing that you are capable of achieving balance, health, and happiness in all areas of your life.
Northstar Recovery Center’s outpatient day treatment programs offer aftercare to those transitioning out of detox or rehab, and immediate treatment for people whose substance abuse disorders don’t first need medical intervention. We provide access to a multitude of recovery modalities, including SMART, 12-Step, cognitive behavioral therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, trauma therapy, and holistic practices like yoga and meditation.
Do you or someone you know need help getting sober? You can reach us 24/7 at (888) 927-4097 or contact us online to learn more.
by Ben Keylor | Dec 30, 2024 | Addiction Recovery, Addiction Treatment, Therapies
Addiction and alcohol recovery is a journey often marked by profound personal challenges, growth, and transformation. One of the cornerstones of this journey is gaining the courage to open up and speak in group settings. For many, this can feel like an insurmountable hurdle, especially for those who have historically turned to substances to navigate social anxiety or mask feelings of inadequacy. Yet, the act of sharing in a group is not just an exercise in vulnerability; it’s a critical component of the healing process. Here’s why.
Overcoming Fear and Social Anxiety
For countless individuals struggling with addiction, substances became a tool to manage social anxiety—a way to silence the inner critic or numb the fear of judgment. In recovery, confronting these anxieties head-on by speaking in group settings can feel overwhelming. However, group meetings provide a safe and supportive space to gradually rebuild confidence.
By sharing your thoughts and experiences, you begin to challenge the deep-seated fears of rejection or inadequacy. Each small step taken to speak up fosters personal growth and helps dismantle the false belief that you need substances to navigate social situations.
A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved
The old adage “a problem shared is a problem halved” holds particular weight in recovery. Addiction thrives in isolation, where shame and secrecy can fester. Speaking openly about your struggles in a group setting lightens the emotional load and allows others to provide perspective, empathy, and understanding.
Group members often discover that their experiences aren’t unique—others in the room have walked similar paths, faced similar demons, and overcome similar obstacles. This shared understanding fosters connection and reminds participants that they are not alone in their journey.
The Benefits of Sharing Your Story
Sharing your story in group therapy, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or other recovery meetings is more than just cathartic—it’s transformative. When you articulate your journey, you not only process your own experiences but also contribute to the healing of others. Here are some key benefits:
- Building Authentic Connections: Sharing openly fosters genuine relationships built on trust and mutual support.
- Developing Self-Awareness: Speaking about your experiences helps clarify your thoughts, identify patterns, and gain deeper insight into your behaviors.
- Inspiring Others: Your story, no matter how messy or imperfect, may be exactly what someone else needs to hear to find hope and strength.
- Practicing Vulnerability: Opening up in a group setting builds emotional resilience and demonstrates that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
The Role of Group Therapy and Meetings
Programs like AA and other recovery groups are structured around the principle of collective healing. The shared stories, mutual accountability, and collective wisdom of the group create an environment where members feel seen and supported.
In these spaces, individuals often discover that their voices matter. They learn that by speaking up, they not only heal themselves but also contribute to the recovery community. This mutual exchange of stories and insights can create profound shifts in perspective and foster a sense of belonging that is vital for long-term sobriety.
Tips for Speaking in Group Settings
For those new to group meetings, the thought of speaking can be daunting. Here are some tips to help ease the process:
- Start Small: Begin by introducing yourself or sharing a brief thought. You don’t need to dive into deep or painful topics right away.
- Remember You’re in a Judgment-Free Zone: Everyone in the room has faced their own struggles and understands the courage it takes to speak.
- Focus on Authenticity: Speak from the heart and be honest. There’s no right or wrong way to share your story.
- Listen Actively: Hearing others’ stories can inspire you and provide a sense of direction for your own sharing.
Speaking in a group setting is not just about overcoming fears or checking a box in the recovery process; it’s about reclaiming your voice and your sense of self. It’s about breaking the chains of isolation and connecting with others on a deeply human level. While the first step may feel intimidating, the rewards are immeasurable—for you and for those who have the privilege of hearing your story. Remember, recovery is not a solitary journey, and every word you share brings you closer to healing, connection, and lasting change.
If you or a loved one needs help, you’ll feel at home at Northstar Recovery Center, where your voice truly matters. Give us a call at (888) 927-4097 or contact us today.
by Ben Keylor | May 17, 2024 | Addiction Recovery
The iconic Austrian psychologist Anna Freud famously said, “I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time.” Supporting all women seeking treatment can help them uncover that essential source of inner strength.
While inclusivity continues to get better in the recovery realm, there is still a long way to go to ensure that everyone’s unique needs are met. This includes addressing the unique needs of women seeking treatment. It is important women feel empowered when it comes to seeking treatment because, for far too long, women faced gender-specific stigmas around addiction and mental health.
The Prevalence of Addiction in the U.S.
Addiction is more prominent than many people may realize. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “In 2022, 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8.0 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD.”
There are also many people who struggle with co-occurring disorders alongside their addiction issues. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders.” Of course, while these statistics are comprehensive, they are not absolute. This is because many people who struggle with addiction and/or mental illness (behavioral health issues) do not speak up or seek help. Also, this includes many women who don’t seek help due to social stigmas.
Understanding Women and Addiction
While statistically, there may be more men who seek treatment than women, it is not because they are more susceptible to addiction. According to NIDA, “For most age groups, men have higher rates of use or dependence on illicit drugs and alcohol than do women. However, women are just as likely as men to develop a substance use disorder. In addition, women may be more susceptible to craving and relapse, which are key phases of the addiction cycle.”
This last aspect of relapse susceptibility is important because many people don’t realize just how common relapse currently is in the U.S. (for both men and women). According to the peer-reviewed thesis Addiction Relapse Prevention by Doctors Guenzel and McChargue, “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last 4 to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”
However, these relapse rates can be reduced if an individual’s needs are specifically met. This is why individualized care can be so crucial. Overarching “one-note” recovery plans rarely tend to work. They cannot address everyone’s needs. This includes the needs of women seeking treatment.
The Unique Needs of Women Seeking Treatment
Most people can benefit from many of the same types of treatments. However, there are many stigmas and social inequities regarding recovery that are specifically unique to women.
For example, one of the unique stigmas that women face is how they are perceived regarding addiction and pregnancy. According to NIDA, “Unfortunately, it can be difficult for a person with a substance use disorder to quit, and some women with such disorders fear that seeking help while pregnant or afterward could cause them legal or social problems. Communities can build support systems to help women access treatment as early as possible, ideally before becoming pregnant.” Also, “If a woman is unable to quit before becoming pregnant, treatment during pregnancy improves the chances of having a healthier baby at birth.”
The Barriers for Women Seeking Treatment
Pregnancy is just one of the barriers for women seeking treatment. Another barrier for women seeking treatment is the way they are believed by hospitals and primary care providers. Many women feel dismissed or disrespected when it comes to asking for addiction help. This often stops women from continuing to seek help.
There can also be financial barriers for women seeking treatment as the pay disparities in the U.S. are still prominent, and many women who struggle with addiction face financial insecurity when it comes to seeking treatment. Women can also feel insecure about how they will be perceived if it is discovered that they are seeking treatment or are in recovery. This is because women tend to face a disproportionate standard when it comes to social circumstances. Many women also fear that seeking treatment could bring more discrimination down the road.
Understanding Trauma, PTSD, and Women Seeking Treatment
Many women who struggle with issues of addiction and mental health also struggle with underlying issues of trauma, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “Women’s experiences of trauma have been linked to a variety of negative mental health consequences, including especially PTSD. Estimates from community studies suggest that women experience PTSD at two to three times the rate that men do.” Also, “U.S. prevalence estimates of lifetime PTSD from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication are 9.7% for women and 3.6% for men.”
Many women who struggle with PTSD also do so because they have experienced some type of assault at the hands of the opposite sex. This could be physical, verbal, or sexual assault. It is for this reason that many women may feel apprehensive about being in a treatment program that doesn’t take their needs into account. Understandably, women who have experienced some type of trauma are looking for a safe space when it comes to recovery.
The Importance of Safe Spaces for Recovery
A safe space for women does not necessarily mean that the space has to be gender-specific. However, it does mean that it needs to take women’s specific needs into account. This may involve ensuring that the professionals on staff are representative of all genders.
A safe space for recovery may also mean that there are program specialties that focus solely on the needs of women. This may include female-only group therapy sessions, for example. Women-specific care should also address women-specific addiction stigmas. According to Fusio: The Bentley Undergraduate Research Journal, “Although many women initiate the use of drugs as a way to self-medicate and address social pressures, they are stigmatized by society for using drugs, and women who are mothers face even greater stigmatization.”
Women-specific care doesn’t have to look a certain way, either. Again, it is as much a matter of ensuring that the space is safe, regardless of what type of recovery program is being employed. This includes day treatment that addresses women’s specific needs.
The Benefits of Day Treatment for Women in Recovery
Many women avoid seeking treatment because they don’t feel that they can step away from their responsibilities. While this is understandable, the truth is that pushing treatment back will only make the problem worse.
Day treatment is a great option for women who still need to manage day-to-day responsibilities. This type of treatment allows people to actively engage with their recovery without having to stay directly at the facility.
Of course, not all day treatment programs are created equally. Some day programs only engage with the individual a few times a week for a few hours at a time. For most, this is rarely enough to get to the underlying issues that are causing a person’s negative and addictive behaviors.
A quality day treatment program is going to include daily work for a minimum of six hours a day for a least five days a week. Depending on the individual, this may last for a few weeks or a few months. The key is to address all of the issues the first time so the individual can avoid a potential relapse and do it all over again.
A quality day treatment program is also going to be comprehensive. This means that it is going to offer multiple means, methods, and modalities for recovery, including individual and group therapy sessions.
Individual Therapy for Women in Recovery
One of the most prominent ways to address addiction, for both men and women, is via individual psychotherapy. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that is going to help get to the underlying issues of one’s addiction issues.
CBT has been shown to be one of the most highly effective therapies when it comes to treating a broad range of addiction and mental health issues. According to Psychology of Addictive Behaviors: the Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, “Multiple meta-analyses and reviews over the past 30 years have concluded that CBT is an effective treatment across a range of substance use disorders. The most recent and comprehensive meta-analysis included 53 controlled trials, published through 2006, of CBT for adults diagnosed with alcohol or drug use disorders, and reported a small but statistically significant treatment effect (g = 0.15) for CBT over control conditions across studies.”
CBT is also an evidence-based therapy that does not discriminate based on gender or sex. However, many women seeking treatment prefer working with a CBT specialist who is of the same sex.
As with other modalities, CBT’s benefits are also positively influenced when other therapies are used in tandem. This includes the use of group therapy (including women-specific group therapy).
Group Therapy for Women in Recovery
Studies reported in the American Journal on Addictions found that women felt more secure in gender-specific group therapy settings. According to the American Journal on Addictions, “Men more frequently endorsed the helpfulness of mixed-gender groups than did women while women appreciated the enhanced support in single-gender SUD groups. Issues of stigma are especially salient for women.” Also, “Only women endorse stigma as an obstacle to their treatment and recovery.”
A big part of group therapy is the feeling that it is a safe space to share without the fear of judgment. For women, this safety is better established in gender-specific group therapy sessions.
Another critical component of group therapy is the aspect of “shared experience.” Many women who struggle with addiction and/or mental health feel isolated and alone. Connecting with other people who have also felt like that can be essential. Group therapy can also be helpful because it allows new people in recovery to see the progress of others. It is the concept of “If they can make it, maybe I can too!” This can be especially salient in women-specific recovery communities.
Connecting With Other Women in Recovery Communities
Recovery communities can be an ideal way to both attain recovery, as well as maintain it in the long-term. Many people connect with recovery communities while they are still in day treatment and stay connected with them after they finish.
As with individual therapy, it is important to stay connected to a recovery community after one leaves treatment. Doing so is one of the best ways to stay accountable and avoid a potential relapse.
Many different types of recovery communities exist. There is SMART Recovery for those who wish to avoid a spiritual path, there is Recovery Dharma for those seeking recovery with a focus on Buddhism, and there is 12-Step recovery, which offers both secular and spiritual meetings.
A 12-Step Track to Recovery
Many people are under the wrong impression that 12-Step recovery is just about recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD). While yes, the initial 12-Step group, founded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith, was Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), there are now many different types of 12-Step programs available. This includes groups that focus on substance use disorder (SUD) and behavioral disorders.
Many people are also under the impression that one must be a religious or spiritual person to practice 12-Step recovery. There are many different types of 12-Step meetings out there, and one can be as spiritual or religious as they wish to be – this is why the Twelve Steps use the term “Higher Power of one’s own understanding” rather than God.
Just as there are many different types of spiritual (or atheist) 12-Step meetings, there are also meetings that address other areas. For example, there are LGBTQ+ meetings, men’s meetings, meetings that are open to the public, and, yes, women-specific meetings too.
Many women find that attending women-specific meetings helps them stay more connected to their own personal issues of addiction. They also feel more comfortable to share at meetings.
Women can also feel empowered by helping other women recover, which 12-Step recovery helps them do. This adheres to the “Responsibility Statement,” which is often read in 12-Step recovery meetings. It goes, “I am responsible, when anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of [recovery] always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.” It is a powerful message that has helped millions of individuals and their families recover and stay recovered.
Helping Women Recover at NorthStar Recovery Center
Dr. Anna Freud also said, “Sometimes the most beautiful thing is precisely the one that comes unexpectedly and unearned, hence something given truly as a present.” For many, this is the gift of desperation that is often needed to begin the recovery process.
That desperation is a gift because it opens up the willingness needed to start the recovery journey. At NorthStar Recovery Center, we understand that for women, this journey deserves to be taken without any fear of stigma or lack of respect. This is why we offer individualized care for each and every one of our clients.
Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to recover. At NorthStar Recovery Center, they do. That is our promise, our primary purpose, and our overall recovery mission.
Women face unique needs when it comes to seeking appropriate treatment. There are certain stigmas and barriers women face when seeking care and specific reasons why they may opt not to seek treatment. At NorthStar Recovery Center in West Springfield, MA, we take the needs of women very seriously, and our diligent professional staff works to provide safe settings and the resources necessary to encourage women to seek and maintain care. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can get you on the right road to long-term recovery. For more information about women-specific addiction care, please reach out to NorthStar Recovery Center today at (888) 902-4234.
