Women experience substance use disorders differently than men.

While women are just as likely as men to develop a substance use disorder, there are many differences in the effects of addiction between men and women. They also face unique obstacles to effective treatment.

How addiction affects women differently:

• Women are more likely to start using substances to self-medicate. 
• Women develop dependency more quickly.
• Women may experience more severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 
• Women are at greater risk for fatal overdose and relapse. 

Biological factors such as hormone production and body composition are responsible for some of differences in how our bodies respond to substances. We can also see the impact of society in how addiction affects women and men differently.

Women bear multiple loads of responsibility like work, childcare, home care, and community involvement. These responsibilities, as well as addiction stigma, relationship dynamics, and more, affect how women access treatment and what they need from it.

Research shows that women are most successful with their recovery when the care they receive is holistic, strengths-based, and addresses the issues that matter most to them. A woman-centered treatment team sees women for who they are and individualizes treatment accordingly

If you or a woman you know are struggling with alcohol or other drugs, we can help you find woman-centered addiction treatment in the Pittsburgh area. Call the POWER Line at 412-243-8755.

These are some of the signs that you may be experiencing alcohol withdrawal.

Of course, not everyone will experience withdrawal when they quit drinking, and symptoms and severity will vary among those who do.

Fortunately, help is available to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms and safely begin the recovery journey.

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or other drugs, a free screening and assessment can help you determine the best way for you to safely quit drinking. Call the POWER Line at 412-243-8755.

Cynthia, 28 years in recovery

When I go to functions where there is drinking, I always take someone with me that knows that I’m in recovery as support. Because I’m gonna tell you, no matter how much time you have clean, you can still be triggered.

Meg, 22 years in recovery

I’ve been in recovery for 22 years, and this one has served me well. And that is to hang out at the kids’ table and in the game room playing with the kids during holiday events. Keeps me away from the alcohol.

Ramona, 26 years in recovery

Never leave home without someone that would come and get you in your time of need. Have that one person that you can depend on, no matter what time night or day it might be, that your stomach tells you, “you need to get out because it feels uncomfortable.”

Tracey, 13 years in recovery

I like to bring my beverage to any gathering, that way if they ask me if I’d like something to drink, I say, “No, I already have something.”

Kathy, 33 years in recovery

If you’re going out to celebrate with your family and friends, and you’re newly in recovery or you’ve been in recovery for a while, we suggest that you take someone with you. Because the ultimate weapon for the disease of addiction is another recovering addict. Therefore, if you’re in the room with your family or friends, and events are starting to take place and you’re starting to feel as though it’s too much for you, you’ll have someone there to be there as your support.

Enjoy your holiday, and remember: don’t take the first one!

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Mental illnesses involve changes in thinking, mood, and/or behavior and can affect how we relate to others and make choices. Throughout the pandemic, many people who had never experienced mental health challenges found themselves struggling for the first time. In fact, of the almost half a million individuals that took the anxiety screening at MHAscreening.org, 79% showed symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety.

Signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include:

Causes

Mental illnesses, in general, are thought to be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Certain genes may increase your risk of developing a mental illness, and your life situation may trigger it.

Risk factors for developing a mental illness include:

• A family history of mental illness
• Stressful life situations, such as financial problems, a loved one’s death or a divorce
• An ongoing (chronic) medical condition, such as diabetes
• Brain damage as a result of a serious injury, such as a violent blow to the head
• Traumatic experiences, such as military combat or assault
• Use of alcohol or recreational drugs
• A childhood history of abuse or neglect

Now, more than ever, we need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health concerns.

Mental health disorders are common, recurrent, and often serious. Fortunately, they are also treatable, and many people do recover. However, most mental illnesses don’t improve on their own and may get worse over time if untreated. If you have any signs or symptoms of a mental illness, see your primary care provider or a mental health professional.

You can also call 1-800-487-4889, a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. 

People with mental illness are more likely to experience a substance use disorder than those not affected by a mental illness. The coexistence of both a mental health and a substance use disorder is referred to as co-occurring disorders. If you or someone you know may be struggling with a co-occurring disorder, you can call the POWER Line at 412-243-8755.