Overstressed and Medicated When you think of health risks for women in the United States, the first thing that comes to mind may be cancer. You may not think of prescription drug addiction and overdose, but maybe you should. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more women died from prescription painkiller overdoses than from cervical cancer or homicide. The Downside for Women Women have a lot on their plates, whether they are trying to be everything to everyone or just living normal lives. The stress can be overwhelming and can lead to women using prescription drugs to help them cope. Overdosing accidentally or even intentionally is a danger for these women because they are overworked, overstressed and medicated. Other complications in this situation are that women are less likely to seek treatment for their prescription drug addiction than men, and women are more likely to relapse after completing prescription drug addiction treatment. This could be because of stigma they might face, fear of losing their children or family if they go to treatment or the need to feel independent.
The Silver Lining
Although the odds seemed to be stacked against women, there are positives for recovery and treatment. The CDC report also showed that women are more likely to abuse drugs in response to stress and to regulate their moods—both factors that can be changed with therapy and other techniques learned in rehab treatment. Family and children can motivate women to get help. It’s important that women receive love and support from their loved ones to get the help they need and have a successful recovery.
