Trauma and Female Addiction

Countless variables impact how a person handles a traumatic incident. One of the most significant variables is gender. Males and females are often raised very differently, causing a disparity between how they respond to — and cope — with painful experiences. Males may be discouraged early on from displaying emotions related to pain or sadness, while females may be stereotypically “expected” to show such emotions. Consequently, they may be offered less support to build up resilience or mechanisms to cope on their own. In such situations, they may turn to substances to help them get through.

Girls and women have historically been the victims of higher rates of domestic abuse and traumas, particularly when it comes to trauma related to sexual harassment, assault, or rape. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, almost one out of every five women have experienced rape. That is 18.3% compared to 1.4% reported by males. Meanwhile, the hotline reported, “81% of females who, experienced rape, stalking, or physical violence by an intimate partner reported significant short or long-term impacts such as post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and injury.” Note, that statistic only captures those who “reported” such impacts and may not capture the full extent of the mental health damages done. Many survivors choose to suppress their feelings or to underreport, fearing stigma, or further trauma from victim-blamers.

Regardless of their age, social status, race or education level, females are statistically more prone to experiencing traumatic events precisely because of their gender. To cope, females may tend to develop substance dependence. In traditional substance addiction treatment, the focus is entirely on the addiction. This sometimes works out as well as one might expect, prompting the industry to recognize the importance of rooting out past traumas to treat them alongside the addiction.

The progress in women’s addiction treatment has made it clear that trauma plays a significant role in female dependence.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that over 80% of women seeking treatment for substance addiction have a history of trauma. As with the earlier statistic, this number only reflects the percentage of sufferers who have sought treatment and reported their histories. It may be just the tip of the iceberg, with countless millions who’ve been reluctant to share their experiences and seek help.

When any person experiences a traumatic event, it leaves deep psychological traces. Many individuals realize the harmful effects but try to bury them. Others, especially children, may not be aware that trauma or abuse has left them experiencing anxiety or other disorders through no fault of their own. This can be especially true in cases where a young person was abused by someone they know, such as a family member they trusted.

Traumas can readily lead to post-traumatic stress and other disorders, creating a wide range of problems.

Some females might experience flashbacks or want to avoid any reminder of an event. Others may become indifferent or hypervigilant, both of which can lead to sufferers turning to substances to either feel “something” or feel “nothing,” depending on the addiction. It is never easy to confront trauma and addiction. However, it is only through such professionally assisted confrontations that girls and women can overcome issues and pave the way for a happier future.

Gulf Breeze Recovery’s program is based on addressing what’s underlying the addiction rather than solely focusing on addictive behaviors.  To properly treat the co-occurring disorder and complexities of trauma, Gulf Breeze Recovery offers a “track” called Traumacare. This track places the underlying cause (trauma) at the forefront in a discrete manner to help people experience happiness and fulfillment in recovery.

If you or someone you care about, has an ongoing history of trauma-related alcohol or substance use and/or relapse, contact Gulf Breeze Recovery or call: 833.551.2356 to speak to an addiction expert to learn more about their residential program, out-patient program, and intensive out-patient program, and which of these can best fit your individual needs.  These programs have helped many people overcome their addiction and embrace a new happy, healthy, substance-free lifestyle.

We help people not just to survive, but to THRIVE!