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Women with drug addictions are more likely than men to suffer physical and mental health issues. This is especially true when they inject drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Because they need to tend to these physical and mental health problems, they may delay entering alcohol and drug treatment.

Treatment centers that provide integrated behavioral healthcare include services for women with existing medical needs and co-occurring mental health disorders. A continuum of care for mental health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and even smoking cessation removes any reason for delaying drug treatment. But most people don’t realize that some treatment centers provide these services.

Drug abuse among women tends to move more rapidly to drug addiction than with men. A need is created rather quickly, and there are usually willing drug suppliers among men. So, on average, women will use more drugs and build tolerances more quickly. This is not a reason, but a reality.

What a woman will do for drugs depends on the woman, and how strong her addiction is. Some will stop before modifying their value system to match negative behaviors. Unfortunately, though, many will do at least one thing they once swore they never would. It can create a cycle where drugs are used to mask shame, and further negative and risky behavior may be necessary to get more drugs.

If the cycle of drug addiction leads to injection as a method of use, a whole new set of mental and physical ailments are risked. The drug itself may have an impact on mental health, and mental trauma can come to women who are victimized or suffer anxiety and depression. And sharing needles and unsafe sex both transmit HIV, Hepatitis C, and STDs.

Of equal importance to women’s health is tobacco use. Illicit drug users are almost 5 times more likely to smoke cigarettes than those not engaging in drug abuse. The body suffers more when it needs to battle both drug addiction and tobacco use. When individuals want to quit smoking, it is best for them to have available resources and support to do so.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides medical care and mental health services for all of the issues mentioned above, including women-only treatment in Long Beach for those who qualify and smoking cessation assistance.

We are committed to integrated behavioral healthcare in alcohol and drug treatment. If you or a loved one needs help with drug addiction or alcohol dependence, please call us now at 888-777-8565 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.