Alcohol affects women differently than men, and alcohol detox is different for women than for men. When it’s time to get help, a women’s alcohol detox center is better prepared to meet female clients’ specific physical and emotional needs.
Due to differences in physiology, the physical impact of alcohol causes women to suffer from more alcohol-related heart and liver damage. Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida understands this. Call us at 866.294.5306 if you or a woman you love could benefit from a women’s detox program.
Why Do You Need a Women’s Alcohol Detox Center?
Research on women and alcohol addiction only began in the late 1980s. Before that time, men and women received the same medical care and emotional support during detox. Thanks to research on gender-specific needs, experts have learned that not only does alcohol affect women differently, withdrawing from the substance can be more dangerous for women. For example, seizures during detox occur more frequently in women. That is one reason why it’s essential to seek out a rehab program that understands how to manage alcohol detox in women.
Physical Symptoms
Because alcohol has a stronger effect on women in a shorter time, they can develop a physical dependence more quickly. This can lead to a more severe reaction to detox.
Every person’s experience with detox is unique, but some of the withdrawal symptoms to expect include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors in the hands
- Sweating
- Hallucinations
- Extreme agitations and anxiety
- Depression
- Inability to sleep
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
- Seizure
- Cravings
While life-threatening withdrawal symptoms are rare, they are possible, and women are at a higher risk for experiencing severe symptoms than men. A gender-specific detox program is more familiar with the process of managing a woman’s withdrawals and providing the support she needs for the next steps in recovery.
Psychological Symptoms
Experts estimate that approximately 75% of women with alcohol use disorders are survivors of sexual or physical abuse. Many have mental health issues related to their trauma that have never been properly diagnosed or treated. For some women, turning to alcohol may have been an effort to self-medicate those issues.
In a high-quality women’s detox program, you will be supported by a team of recovery experts who understand the unique needs of trauma survivors.
In addition to managing a client’s physical withdrawal with 24-hour medical support, a detox center should also provide the resources and support women need, such as:
- A focus on women’s issues
- A non-judgmental environment
- Resources and support for survivors of domestic violence
- Understanding and support for mothers and pregnant women
- A medically supervised women’s detox program
Alcohol detox is difficult for everyone; however, it’s important to remember that detox is only the first step in the road to recovery.
What to Look for in a Woman’s Detox Program
For long-term sobriety, women need long-term solutions. Counseling, parenting classes, career training, and relapse prevention education are all critical. Look for a women’s alcohol detox program that helps clients create a personal plan for their success beyond the detox center.
A comprehensive program should include:
- Caring medical professionals with knowledge about women and addiction
- Evidence-based and complementary therapies
- A calm, relaxing atmosphere
- Comfortable accommodations
Your women’s treatment center should provide a full continuum of care that goes beyond alcohol detox.
Begin Recovery at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida understands that women need specialized medical care while going through alcohol detox. Our mission is to provide a safe, comfortable atmosphere where women can feel secure and cared for throughout detox.
You can’t focus on your recovery if you are worried about your health or what happens after detox. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306 and begin your journey back to the life you were meant to have.
