Motivations for Women in Drug Rehab
Why do some women choose to go to drug rehab when they are struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction and other women avoid it endlessly? It’s different for each woman, but according to a study published in Addictive Behaviors, many female patients in recovery cite the following motivations:
- Children
- Spouse
- Mental health
- Friendships and/ or family relationships
- Physical health
- Career
Oddly, many who refuse to go to treatment cite many of the same issues as obstacles. How can you help your addicted loved one turn perceived blocks to addiction treatment into reasons to get well?
Internal Motivations
Most women are motivated by internal reasons, as opposed to external pressures, when it comes to getting drug addiction treatment. This doesn’t mean that the opinion of their spouse, co-workers, or friends don’t matter. To the contrary, a few well chosen words from those close to her can help your loved one realize that her life will improve in every way if she gets the help she needs to stop drinking and using drugs.
If internal motivations are primary to most women (up to 97 percent, according to the study) who agree to get treatment, friends and family can focus on how rehab will benefit different aspects of her life:
- Mental health. Many addicted women struggle with co-occurring mental health symptoms like depression and anxiety. Still others have a full blown mental health disorder like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder that they are attempting to manage through drugs and alcohol – but ultimately only worsen through substance abuse. Effective treatment for drug dependence in these cases means effective mental health treatment for co-occurring disorders as well.
- Physical health. Chronic drug and alcohol abuse deteriorate major organs in the body and without treatment, poor health can turn into life-ending disorders – or overdose or death due to accident under the influence.
- Relationship with others. Relationships with children, extended family, and spouse can be a motivating factor, but these are generally connected to a poor outcome in recovery as compared to other internal motivations that are 100 percent controlled by the actions and behaviors of the patient.
- Career opportunities. Drugs and alcohol will end every career if not addressed through effective treatment. The motivation of personal goals for success is linked to higher rates of success in recovery, according to the study.
How can you help your loved one choose to get the help she needs to heal? Call us today at Orchid Recovery Center and find out more about rehabilitation options now. Our counselors are standing by to assist you.