Why Are More Women Abusing Opioids?

 

As the opioid addiction crisis continues to cripple the country, more studies are underway to determine some of the causes behind these dependencies. Of course it’s hard to pinpoint one single underlying factor, but there are some interesting trends that have been emerging regarding painkiller abuse and gender. In the case of women, for example, certain research has shown that domestic violence may play a role in why females begin using.

 

Nabila El-Bassel is a professor of social work at Columbia University. In article for the academic site The Conversation, she discussed examples and stats that may lend credence to the physical abuse theory. El-Bassel also touched upon the slippery slope many addicted women face and how an opioid dependency can quickly evolve into heroin needles and the potential for HIV contractions.

 

“Research has repeatedly indicated that drug use is associated with partner violence, specifically against women, who may be particularly susceptible to such violence when under the influence of opioids,” El-Bassel wrote. “Living with substance use disorders puts these women into a number of contexts that expose them to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases that jeopardize their survival in many ways.”

 

Another harsh reality is that domestic violence can lead to painkiller prognoses. It’s a sad fact, but there are many abused women who need to be hospitalized for their injuries; breaking bones and receiving brutal concussions. A common treatment method for that has been opioid prescriptions, in the hope that they can reduce the severe physical ailments. So, in essence, the household violence could ultimately lead to a woman’s first exposure to opioids.

 

El-Bassel also brings up the fact that abusive male spouses sometimes purposely feed addictions to assert more control. A common technique will be undermining a woman’s attempt to get sober and preying on sensitive emotions. It is ultimately done as a form of dominance.

 

One other alarming stat brought up by El-Bassel was the fact that women are nearly three times less likely to receive the life-saving naloxone treatment during an overdose. In her opinion, it was because women may be devalued and there could be a gender barrier involved that first responders may not be aware of.

 

El-Basel finished her piece with some recommendations on how society as a whole can help to change the stigma.

 

“Women who use drugs face multilayers of stigma and disbelief, preventing them from disclosing problems such as partner violence,” she wrote. “Staying in treatment is difficult for women when services are designed and delivered by men who may not know how to create an environment of trust for women. These issues must be changed if we are serious on addressing the opioid epidemic among women.”

 

The ‘Drunkorexia’ Phenomenon

They often say that one disorder can feed into another. And that apparently is the case with a newer issue called “drunkorexia.” Covered in outlets like The Washington Post, this alarming trend involves purposely avoiding food throughout the day in preparation for a night of binge drinking. Worse yet…purging is also commonly linked, as a way to consume heavy cocktails without gaining weight.

Apparently, this is a growing phenomenon among primarily females. As the article explains…many young women do get caught up with body image concerns, while also getting enticed by the party-like atmosphere of college.

“Drunkorexia addresses the need to be the life of the party while staying extremely thin, pointing to a flawed mindset about body image and alcoholism among college students, mostly women,” Post journalist Cara Rosenbloom writes in her article. “But drinking in this manner is dangerous, particularly because the lack of food in the stomach means a faster absorption of alcohol.”

Indeed, it is common knowledge that drinking on an empty stomach can do a lot more damage on organs like the liver. It also lowers the immune system and puts people (especially with low weight counts) at a much greater risk for alcohol poisoning.

And when you think about young women on a college campus, the idea of being blackout drunk can raise many other concerns. Sadly, we are all aware of the sexual assault risks that can happen at those wild parties. Not to mention the drunk driving dangers and the possibility of fights and physical violence.

In an earlier article on The Fix website, drunkorexia was called out as a major concern. For one thing, it was reported that as many as 16 percent of U.S. college students engage in this practice. Plus with the advent of social media, airbrushed supermodels and glorified Instagram icons, “perfect” looks and body sizes are often thrust in front of these 20-somethings’ faces.

Dr. Douglas Bunnell, former president of the National Eating Disorders Association, was interviewed for the piece and believed that anorexia and alcoholism make for a very dangerous combination. He also mentioned that it was easy to see the allure of both from the eyes of a vulnerable young coed.

“Both disorders are behaviors that are glorified and reinforced,” Dr. Bunell told the site. “Binge drinking is almost cool and hip, and losing weight and being thin is a cultural imperative for young women in America. Mixing both is not surprising, and it has reached a tipping point in terms of public awareness.”

Why Are Women Drinking More?

Recently, some stats were released that sent shockwaves through the recovery community. In a span of roughly 10 years, female alcohol consumption has shot up dramatically. In fact, from the period of 2002 to 2012, the percentage of U.S. women who drink more than once a week went from 45 percent to 67 percent. Obviously this begs the question, “why are women drinking more?”  And that’s something that The Fix.com has aimed to answer.

In a piece published this month, the recovery news site broke down the “social” reasons more women are choosing to indulge in wine and spirits. This includes everything from work happy hours, to online dating, to TV and movie stereotypes. Sadly, it does seem as though there are more societal pressures than ever before.

Quoting writer Ginny Hogan, the site touched upon some unique circumstances surrounding females today.

“The reality is that women often drink for different reasons than men do, and it’s not a stretch to think that those reasons often stem from social pressures that women face but men don’t,” Hogan explained. “When we put social pressure on women to not ever appear stressed or anxious, I worry that we instead make alcohol a more appealing option.”

Hogan also cited the “work hard, play hard” mentality that encompasses corporate America. In order to blend in to the executive boys club, many female vice presidents find themselves at company events surrounded by beer and hard alcohol. Though they might not feel inclined to drink, “fitting in” with senior leaders may push them down that path.

Rising the corporate ladder also incurs quite a bit of anxiety. Similar to men, female business leaders may find themselves “needing” a glass of wine (or two) after work. This has often been mistakenly viewed as a way to relax or unwind, but too much alcohol can do quite the opposite.

Other callouts included the “strong” female characters portrayed in the media. Lead actresses on shows like The Good Wife, Scandal and Killing Eve all regularly consume booze, often with a signature drink like a whiskey sour or brandy tumbler.

Dating was the other big factor pointed to in the article. With more online meet ups occurring at bars and restaurants, it is not uncommon for alcohol to be ordered as part of an introductory evening out. Though these may not turn into binge nights, the more frequent they occur the more frequent the female will be consuming alcohol…which could lead to the start of a very bad habit.

Women’s Hormones May Play A Role In Addiction

For decades, there have always been questions about the physiological reasons for addiction. Is it hereditary? Does it have to do with chemicals in the brain? And now, more recently, are certain genders more susceptible to a dependency? Well according to some new science from Vanderbilt University, that last answer should be a resounding “yes.”

A report compiled by Vanderbilt researchers recently revealed that female hormones do play a role in women’s addictive behaviors. Not only that, the same study claims that they may be more prone to relapsing than men. As lead researcher and Assistant Professor of Pharmacology Erin Calipari explained, studying substance abuse by gender may be very beneficial to the recovery world.

“Women becoming addicted to drugs may be a fundamentally different process than men,” she told the website Science Daily. “It’s important to understand this, because it’s the first step in developing treatments that are actually effective.”

Some of the research that Calipari shared traced back to occurrences like a monthly menstrual cycle. What her team’s findings showed was that when fertility-related hormone levels are high, women make stronger associations to cues in their environment and are more prone to seek rewards. Pleasure seeking and “rewards,” as we all know, are often tied back to drinking and drug use.

The Vanderbilt research specifically tied into behavioral experiments involving male and female rats. For a period of several months, the specimens were allowed to dose themselves with cocaine by pushing down on a lever. A light would then switch on, building a visual association to the pleasure seeking. The team made a point to associate this with visual cues humans may encounter, such as alcohol advertisements or drug paraphernalia. When the female rats’ hormone levels were high, the visual cues became more stimulating and the lever pushing increased dramatically.

Calipari added that this data adds on to previous research that had shown women being more prone to addiction. As she put it, emotions like vulnerability also contributed to the behaviors.

“There’s epidemiological data that says women are more vulnerable, but it’s unclear what the factors are,” she concluded. “We know they transition to addiction faster and have more problems with craving and relapse. Now, with research like this, we’re beginning to isolate environmental and physiological causes.”

Whatever the reason, we hope women facing addiction understand that there are many biological factors at play within this very real problem. Hopefully, it can help remove some of the shame and guilt that often accompany a dependency. If there is a mom, daughter, sister or friend you are close to dealing with this issue, please reach out and let us help.

How Yoga Can Help With Recovery

 

We’ve talked about many different outlets to help people stay focused on sobriety after battling an addiction. And one that continues to garner positive results is yoga meditation. Not only does it help clear your mind and focus inward, it also has a lot of physical benefits; such as building strength and improving flexibility. And don’t just take our word for it. Across the country, more and more yoga recovery practices are being put into play. One example is happening in Columbus, Ohio and making national headlines.

 

The Trini Foundation was started by a man who successfully beat an addiction himself. Taylor Hunt was recently featured on TheFix.com website and discussed his yoga facility, which appears to be changing lives within his community. It is worth noting that Ohio is one of the hardest hit states when it comes to America’s opioid crisis, so a relief like this is more than welcomed.

 

What Hunt did with his foundation, was make an affordable yoga studio that focused on sobriety and methods to keep people clean.

 

“I became an Ashtanga yoga teacher 10 years ago,” Hunt explained to the site. “I wanted to make sure other people could do the 12 steps and take yoga, do them together, because it can give you a completely different equation. I began believing that I didn’t have to live in this pattern of addiction and relapse that a lot of people in the 12-step program struggle with. But I knew that financially a lot of people in recovery couldn’t afford yoga. So I started the foundation because I wanted to be able to give the addict who might not ever have an opportunity to go to yoga a good excuse to go. It’s a tool to save lives. So we raise money so we can provide scholarships to people who are addicts.”

 

So far, the Foundation has become a major success. It got the attention of the local Columbus Dispatch and is now working with prison programs to help those struggling behind bars. It’s also built a large social media following and has an active website with blogs and news updates.

 

We certainly wish Taylor and the Trini Foundation much continued success. And if you happen to be closer to our neck of the woods, we would be happy to get in touch and connect you to sobriety themed workshops across Southern California.

 

The Word “Addict”: Helpful or Harmful to Recovery?

the word addict in recovery

Addiction, as described by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), is a “chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.” It’s a definition that manages to encompass a complex psychological condition. But for many in the media, medical profession and other related fields, the term “addict” has come under fire for potentially negative and even harmful impact on those struggling with addiction. In 2017, the Associated Press issued new guidelines on terminology related to drugs and addiction, which included substituting “substance abuse disorder (SUD)” for addiction and “in recovery” for sober.

A public radio interview with Michael Botticelli, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under former President Obama also urged replacing “addict” or more derogatory terms like “junkie” for their potential to “pigeonhole someone’s entire being to that one single characteristic,” as Botticelli noted. He also cited a study by Dr. John Kelly of the Harvard-MGH Recovery Research Institute, in which trained clinicians were given scenarios about an individual struggling with addiction. The information was identical save for one detail: one report referred to the individual as a “person with a substance abuse disorder,” while the other used the term “substance abuser.” As Botticelli explained, “What [Kelly] found is when you called someone a substance abuser, it elicited, even from trained clinicians, a much more punitive responsive.”

For advocates of using terms other than addict, stigmatization is among the primary reasons for employing newer, less judgmental terms. Labeling an individual with an addiction as an “addict” can reduce the individual to a single term; the NZ Drug Foundation cites a hypothetical scenario about a father of two, employed at a factory, who also happens to have an addiction to drugs. Labeling him as an “addict” obfuscates his occupation and his family. He is simply an addict and nothing more.

“I find that when people identify themselves as the condition they have, it complicates things significantly,” says Elissa Zelman, Psy.D. CEDS. “The main task of recovery is no longer about helping the person understand and manage their symptoms. Rather, it becomes about a deeper, more entrenched view that the person has about him or herself.  I encourage people to say, ‘I have…’ rather than, ‘I am…’ if it feels intuitively right to them, to try to disentangle identity issues.”

More significantly, the term “addict” can further stigmatize by serving as a constant focus on his or her weaknesses. Reframing the term could provide support to an individual already feeling marginalized by their perception of societal attitudes towards their condition. It may also open the door for those who are hesitant to enter treatment, specifically because of those societal stigmas.

“I absolutely believe that we lose a large number of potential ‘abusers’ by labeling them as addicts,” says Loree Cohen, M.S., L.C.S.W. and Clinical Director of Inner Actions. “We have two substance users, those that have developed a dependency and those that abuse. Either way, they need help. Those that are dependent may need detox prior to treatment and this is one of the most important reasons to identify them as dependent. Since we are looking at a chronic problem on many levels, micro and macro, we need to address this in a way that more people will ask for the help they need. So, yes, I do believe there is a stigma associated with the term ‘addict’ and that it would be more beneficial to reference to [addiction] as dependence.”

But the push to use terms other than “addict” is often countered by individuals – both in treatment/recovery and addiction/mental health – who view the term as a honest label for their struggle. Substance abuse is a life-threatening, potentially fatal disease. Calling it “like it is” – to describe one’s self or a person in the grip of substance abuse as an addict removes any filter from their conflict. Accepting the realities of addiction – that it is a disease that requires constant, life-long work – can put a person closer to the idea that they can survive and thrive by it.

“I would NOT” substitute the world ‘dependent’ for addict,” says Marc Lewis, Ph.D. “‘Dependent can mean all sorts of things, and is therefore too fuzzy to be meaningful. Addiction is a real condition. While it can be difficult to model or define with precision, almost everybody recognizes it when they see it. Sometimes it’s most efficient and even helpful (e.g., let’s call a spade a spade).”

Lewis agrees that the word can be fraught with negative connotations depending on the context of its use. If the user needs to employ another word, Lewis suggests a parenthetical qualifier – “no disdain or judgment implied in any way.” Another option is to clarify the human component of the condition. “If the recipient/audience is thought to be extremely sensitive, I’d replace it with ‘a person with an addiction,’ or ‘people in addiction.'”

While the debate over the word “addict” – as stigma or no-punches-pulled depiction – remains a divisive one, it does underscore the need for understanding, compassion and rigorous honesty for both sides in the substance abuse scenario.

If you or someone you know is suffering with drug and/or alcohol addiction, please contact us through our web form or by phone at (818) 571-9841. We’re here to help 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week.

Alcoholism And Bipolar Disorder

 

We have mentioned many times before how mental health and addiction issues can often intertwine. And according to recent research uncovered by U.S. News & World Report, people suffering from bipolar disorder (also known as “BD”) may be most at risk. Apparently, it is the highest-ranking co-occurring disorder associated with substance abuse.

 

U.S. News specifically called out alcoholism as a common link. Sadly, BD sufferers tend to abuse the bottle the most and are more likely to be hospitalized because of chronic drinking. The research also points out that the reverse may be true. In that scenario, people who are alcoholics and have a family history of mood disorders can quickly develop BD as their addiction worsens.

 

Both of these conditions can quickly escalate into a vicious cycle that U.S. News writer Brook McKenzie aptly labeled, a “tornado.”

 

“For those living with bipolar disorder, this mood disorder is best described as a tornado violently ripping through your life with unpredictable episodes of mania and depression,” McKenzie wrote. “These extreme mood swings and addictive tendencies can interfere with the functions of daily life at work, with family and other interpersonal relationships.”

 

McKenzie went on to list some BD warning signs, as many people are living with this disorder and are undiagnosed. Certain callouts include disorganized thinking (such as clutter across a home or car), crying for no reason, restlessness, euphoria, impulsivity and an increased use of profanity.

 

He also discussed the labels of BD, which include bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. Bipolar 1 is the most extreme case, where psychiatric hospitalization is necessary and day-to-day functions are impossible. Bipolar 2, however, is the more common occurrence and the one that is associated with alcoholism. It is considered milder and often leads to depression or suicidal thoughts. Research has shown that this is the stage where people often turn to drinking, as a way to numb feelings and ease emotional pain.

 

Of course, as we all know, alcohol DOES NOT lessen a person’s emotional pain and, in fact, increases it. Pairing this with an issue like BD or manic depression can be a very scary combination. McKenzie rightly calls out therapy and professional support as a solution for people suffering from these co-occurring disorders. That type of work is something the team at Inneractions specializes in and we are always available to step in and help at a moment’s notice.

Having ‘The Addiction Talk’ With Your Kids

  Did you know that nearly 21 million Americans over the age of 12 deal are caught up with addictions? That means that kids as young as 13 are facing serious issues with alcoholism and drug abuse. As a parent it may be easy to tell if a pre-teen in your family is struggling, but then question the becomes: How Do You Start That Delicate Conversation?   To their credit, The Huffington Post recently acknowledged this all too common issue and published a helpful article that outlines the ways parents can approach their kids about this topic. Their checklist covered inquisitive approaches (to see if your child may be using) and educational explorations (so they are aware of the substances and the dangers).   Step one involves openness and honesty.  “Kids are much more savvy today,” HuffPo addiction expert John Sovec explained in the article. “And open, honest conversations that take place now can set up the groundwork for keeping substances out of their future.”   That type of honesty may include revealing hard truths about your own past experiences with drugs and alcohol. Sovec added that today’s kids (particularly of the teen set) expect honest answers and don’t like to see their parents lie to them. If you deny experimenting in your younger years, that may actually backfire on you.   Scare tactics are also a no-no, according to the article. If they hear something like drinking beer will get you life in prison, they can easily fact check it and discover it’s a falsehood. At that point, your credibility may be hurt and actual scary stats (about overdoses and relapses) could have less of an impact.   In the same vein, Sovec emphasizes that addiction does not need to be vilified for teens. It is important to acknowledge that it is a disease and that not all people who use are evil.  
“It’s important to emphasize that if someone is addicted, that doesn’t make them a bad person. It means they’re sick,” he added. “Let them know that addiction is an disease, and though it may be tricky to recover from it, people can and do get better. They just need good doctors and support to treat it.”
  Having this difficult conversation is something we, at Inneractions, have had to do many times and we are definitely available as a support system for parents who think their kids may using. Just know that a gentle touch is always recommended and recovery is a reality at any age.

Finding Work After Addiction: The Truth About the Job Market for People in Recovery

For many people in recovery, the prospect of finding a job is daunting and shrouded in the fear of failure. While the stigma associated with the label “addict” combined with lapses in work history and/or a criminal record does obviously close some doors, it can also open others. Walking through those open doors takes courage, but without guidance, the “addict” may never even find them.

Unemployment is one of the biggest issues facing recovering addicts today. But for those who either attend support groups or addiction clinics, career guidance is typically unavailable. In fact, for many people in recovery, lack of career services and job placement assistance are the major obstacles preventing them from re-launching into the world of work. And ultimately, without work, it’s difficult for them to transition from a life of addiction to a fulfilling, productive lifestyle.

Overcoming Employment Roadblocks

The two most common challenges faced by recovering addicts who want to work include lapses in work history and criminal convictions. These can seem like insurmountable obstacles, but with the guidance of a trained counselor, it’s possible to successfully re-enter the workforce and find a job that is not only fulfilling but gives a sense of purpose.

There is a two-part solution to overcoming the hurdles mentioned above. The first piece has to do with preparing assets and practicing for interviews. The second is about identifying and working with employers who are experienced with hiring people in recovery. While the roadmap to finding meaningful work may not be clear to addict and their families, it’s all in a day’s work for an experienced and connected career counselor.

Finding Meaningful Work

At InnerActions in Woodland Hills, career services are a core component of our outpatient addiction treatment program. Our Career Services Director, Ellie Tabiban, is and a Gallup Certified StrengthsFinder Coach and has helped hundreds of people in recovery unlock their passions and find meaningful careers.

Describing the InnerActions’ career services program, Ellie explains, “What I try to do is offer a vast set of resources to help prepare them for a purposeful future. This includes everything from professional-level career counseling, to resume building, to interview coaching, to job placements.”

At InnerActions, the focus on career development begins during the client onboarding process, during which counselors identify clients that are good candidates to start working with Ellie. The career services program utilizes the StrengthsFinder technology to help clients identify their hidden strengths, known as ‘talent themes,’ and they are taught how to mobilize these talent themes.

The InnerActions career services program is based on the guiding principles of strengths-based and positive psychology. The program utilizes the StrengthsFinder assessment, developed by Gallup and Tom Rath, in order to help identify unique signature personality talents, transferable skills, top motivators, interests, and values.

The top 5 ‘talent themes’ identified through the StrengthsFinder assessment are then used to help clients establish a new career path, one that is aligned with their interests. According to Ellie, “The ultimate goal of the program is to assist them to become self-sufficient and to follow their passions.”

Another essential component of the InnerActions career services program is skills training. Once a client’s core strengths have been identified, they are then taught a set of essential skills that will serve them during both their job search and their eventual career. Working one-on-one with counselors and through workshops, clients get to develop a new optimized resumé, practice key job skills, and work to overcome personal stumbling blocks. Clients are also taught key networking strategies, given practice interviewing, and trained in goal setting and time management.

Unfortunately, career counseling and job placement are often neglected during the addiction counseling and recovery process. By helping recovering addicts discover their hidden talents and begin new, exciting careers, we can help ensure that their clients move on to lead happy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

If you would like more information on the innovative career services program at InnerActions, feel free to send us a message or give us a call at (818) 571-9841.

In the video below, our Career Services Director, Ellie Tabibian, shares 4 essential things that those in recovery should do in order to prepare for re-entering the workforce.

How To Handle An Addicted Parent

No matter how old we get, there will always be uncomfortable subjects to discuss with mom and dad. Even as we begin to think of them more as peers (or even friends), they are still the ones who raised us and a level of respect is always necessary. That is part of the reason why confronting an addiction with an older parent proves to be so difficult. But if substance abuse is occurring, it needs to be addressed for the safety and welfare of the family. U.S. News and World Reports recently published a helpful article on this topic, pointing out tips when it comes to parental interventions.

One of the trends that happens to be rising among older Americans is alcoholism. In fact, U.S. News is reporting that as many as 15 percent of U.S. seniors qualify as “at-risk drinkers.”

So how do we approach a mother, father or grandparent suffering from this? With care and thoughtfulness, as addressed in the article’s highlights below…

Find The Right Time To Discuss It

U.S. News emphasized the best moments to bring up a sensitive issue like substance abuse. Their recommendation is to do it during moments of sobriety, or even in the midst of a hangover when the parent is experiencing physical pain because of their problem. Trying to approach a parent while inebriated can prove challenging and ultimately doesn’t always lead to a meaningful conversation.

Avoid Labels

Use your words wisely, the article warns. Throwing out terms like “alcoholic” or “addict” can create defensiveness and even humiliate a parent. The point here is not to criticize the loved one, but rather to offer encouragement and support. Let them know that there is no shame in their problem and that is very common for people their age.

Continue To Show Respect For Your Parents

For many seniors, it is difficult to receive lectures from their grown children. They are, after all, the wise people who raised you and certainly deserve respect. U.S. News advises to avoid “talking down” to a loved one battling an addiction. Emphasize that this is coming from a place of love and genuine concern. Stern lectures and ultimatums can actually backfire in these types of situations.

Offer To Do The Heavy Lifting

If your parent does show interest in conquering their addiction, help guide them along the process. If it makes things easier, you can be the one to reach out to the appropriate treatment facility and coordinate their journey into sobriety.