Cocaine Addiction in Women: Stats, Signs & Recovery

Illegal drug use is skyrocketing across the U.S., and nowhere is this trend more evident than in the lives of women. Many women are in need of opioid and cocaine rehab to get rid of these terrible addictions, but not all seek the necessary care. Furthermore, because women process drugs differently than men, statistics show that they have far more problems with cravings and have trouble breaking unhealthy habits. Nowhere is that more true than in the case of stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Here’s more on women and cocaine addiction.

Research on Cocaine Addiction

Research shows that women are more prone to give in to the rewarding effects of stimulants than males. Researchers speculate that this could relate to estrogen levels in a woman’s body. Women are generally more likely to take cocaine and to use large amounts of it than men. Biological differences, therefore, add to the struggles of cocaine addiction for many women.

These females often find it hard to get their lives back on track and say “no” to continued drug use, even if they want to give it up. Their cravings can simply be too strong. Plus, their physical and psychological need to continue using the drug is likely to overpower them.

Find out how addiction often differs between women and men in this recent post.

Signs of Cocaine Addiction

Signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction commonly include:

• Big pupils
• Runny nose
• Mood swings
• Talks a lot more than usual
• Changes in appetite
• Bad hygiene
• New interest in risky behaviors

If you notice these red flags of cocaine addiction in loved ones, rehab solutions can be the answer.

Pregnancy and Opioid Use

The CDC also recently released shocking stats on pregnant women and opioid use in the U.S. Specifically, opioid use by expectant females quadrupled between 1999-2014. This finding is alarming for families, including its youngest member.

Not only can these drugs harm the woman and cause addictions, but they can also create equally dangerous addictions in babies. The infants may suffer from birth defects, developmental delays, and withdrawal.

In their report linked above, the CDC insists that it is vital that U.S. states provide strong programs and health policies to curb this type of drug use. These programs can also stop the opioid epidemic from worsening, especially in this demographic.

Although opioids are generally known as depressants rather than stimulants, they can be very destructive to live with. And very addictive too, like cocaine. The best way to get opioid and cocaine addiction under control is at rehab.

Embracing Rehab to Take Back Her Life

Women of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to attend rehab. Rehab facilities are growing around the U.S. and are available for different budgets, along with many financial assistance options.

Plus, there are a growing number of cocaine addiction rehab programs and therapies, so going to a local facility is often possible. Most rehab centers offer different types of treatment, including inpatient and outpatient, so she can find what works best for her.

While the National Institute on Drug Abuse maintains that effective treatment is at least 3 months, women can choose a shorter outpatient option instead. What’s key here though is that she commits to the process of overcoming cocaine addiction and has a strong support network. This outpatient type can work for women busy with work and who have kids to care for at home.

What Women Can Expect in Treatment

Rehab typically starts with detox. This stage focuses on withdrawal from stimulants or opioids. Detox usually lasts a week. It may require medications to combat very powerful withdrawal side effects. After detox, women learn ways to live healthy lives without using illegal drugs.

For example, cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT is common in cocaine addiction recovery programs. Women may also attend group and individual therapy sessions. It could be long-term rehab, which lasts more than 30 days. However, no matter which type of rehab she chooses, a female addict will need follow-up treatment long after rehab.

Final Words on Cocaine Addiction in Women

Women from all walks of life can have drug problems. However, addiction does not have to be the end of happiness and success. Thankfully, there are many treatments to help women take back their lives. They then open the door to the possibility of enjoying their best years yet.