For millions of women around the world, menopause is a necessary but painfully unfortunate time of cleansing. As their bodies reconfigure (so to speak), women will experience a torrent of mental instability and physical problems, which can ultimately result in emotional distress and sadness. Imagine the difficulties of insomnia, fatigue, and sadness as a torrent of hot flashes and cramps overcome you, and you may understand why women are so eager to seek alternative medicine. However, while some women may easily cope with these issues, others will attempt to alleviate their pain through alternative substances, possibly leading to the onset of addiction. Some women may try to cope with increased responsibilities by drinking alcohol, while others might attempt to use addictive prescription drugs to alleviate pain and anxiety. Let’s take a closer look at the risks of drug addiction and alcoholism during menopause.
History of Addiction Comes into Play
According to Dr. Karen Deighan (chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Loyola University’s Gottlieb Memorial Hospital), if a woman has a history of drug or alcohol addiction, the chances are high that these illnesses will resurface during menopause. Although she has not seen increased rates of addiction among menopausal women, Dr. Deighan has made a note that women with a history of depression will suffer from more severe bouts as menopausal symptoms set in.
Likewise, the National Alliance on Mental Health indicates that an estimated one-third of people who have a mental illness (like depression or anxiety) will suffer from drug or alcohol abuse. If these mental problems are not addressed by a physician, the victims will attempt to “self-medicate” through drugs and alcohol.
Dangers of Addiction
Based on a report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), menopausal woman are placing themselves at just as high a risk as any other person when they consume an addictive substance. Ultimately, drugs or alcohol will impede your life at work and at home and ruin strong friendships. Likewise, if a menopausal woman takes too much of a substance, she is placing herself at a higher risk for a stroke, cancer, Hepatitis (B and C), and more disastrous mental problems.
Always remember that drug and alcohol do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or addiction troubles today.
