Slowly Erasing the Stigma: Women and Substance Abuse
Jessica had her first drink in middle school. She remembers the taste and immediately liking the way it made her feel. She didn’t start drinking on what she considers a regular basis until college. At that time she characterized her drinking as just being young and having fun. Fast forward two decades later and she has spent time in an outpatient rehab facility and countless AA meetings. Jessica has also been in a few drinking related accidents in which one resulted in a DUI charge. She has a great career, family, husband and child she loves dearly. After all that she has been through she still can’t seem to stop drinking.
There is a Jessica in your life, at your job, in your church, and maybe you are Jessica.
Did you know?
- Alcohol-related deaths for women between ages 35 and 54 has doubled in recent years. (source: alcoholrehabguide.org)
- Women begin experiencing problems like health issues, mood changes, and behavioral changes in relation to alcohol use faster than men do, and typically develop addiction to alcohol more quickly than men do. (source: alcohol.org)
There are stereotypes of what an addict looks or acts like, where and how they live, and their social status. In recent news, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Wendy Williams bravely told the world about their struggles with substance abuse. These women are beautiful, successful, admired, and admittedly had issues that needed attention. Their confessions are important and will save lives. There are a lot of things we deem and promote as normal and understandable. Likewise, asking for and seeking help for substance abuse should be promoted. It’s time to work towards erasing the stigma so our friends, family, and strangers feel comfortable getting the help they need.
On this episode of This is Allison: The Podcast, we talk to Katrina Lyons. Her story is one of acceptance and redemption.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
