Hormonal Therapy: How Menstruation and Menopause Affect Recovery

Hormones play a huge part in menstruation and menopause, and they also play a large part in the development of and treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. These issues alter the course of recovery and create certain issues that men will never have to deal with. Through Hormone Therapy, women learn exactly what is happening in their body, what they can expect with the hormonal shifts and changes that occur naturally, and how it will affect their drug addiction and recovery. Knowledge is power, and knowing how to handle stumbling blocks before they arise can keep them from becoming a problem that throws your recovery off track.

Menstruation and Menopause as a Cause of Drug Addiction

Whether you are experiencing monthly hormonal shifts due to menstruation or are entering into peri-menopause, menopause or post-menopause, the feelings and physical symptoms associated with these shifts can create emotional and physiological chaos. Not feeling well is always an issue that can cause drug addiction – many self-medicate to feel better mentally and physically. Hormones increase the emotional response, making small events that much more difficult to deal with and difficult events even more overwhelming. The problems that result are often another reason to get high or drink, either to escape the situation or numb the pain associated with it.

Hormonal Therapy: What it is and How it Can Help

Hormone Therapy does not stop the function of hormones in the system or in any way change the symptoms that you experience. It does, however, prepare women for what to expect in terms of hormonal changes as they grow older and what those changes will mean in terms of temptation to relapse during recovery. Specific tactics that do not include addictive drugs and alcohol that can help mitigate the symptoms associated with hormonal shifts are discussed and women develop preparedness plans to successfully handle menstruation and menopausal changes. Women are encouraged to share their personal experience and come up with individualized plans that address their unique symptoms.

Hormonal Therapy at The Orchid

At The Orchid, our entire focus is on women in recovery. From the initial phase of detox through extensive addiction treatment that addresses multiple aspects of experience with drugs, addiction and recovery, our staff professionals are trained to assist with the specific needs of each individual. Each woman experiences a unique treatment plan that addresses her own drug history, history of trauma, co-occurring disorders and other issues. Our Hormone Therapy Program is completely unique in that it was developed by professionals at The Orchid and is implemented at no other drug rehab in the country. Call now to learn more about how we can help you or a woman you love to break free from addiction.