Help For Drug Addicted Mothers | The Shores Treatment & Recovery

Help For Drug Addicted Mothers – You Can Recover

By LYLE R. FRIED, CAP, ICADC, CHC In Addiction Recovery
Posted January 21, 2015

Startling Facts About Drug Addiction and Mothers:

According to the Federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, there are over 2.5 million women in the United States currently struggling with alcohol or drug addiction.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports about 2 percent of mothers with children living at home have reported symptoms meeting the clinical criteria for drug abuse or dependence.

Why Addicted Mothers Are Not Seeking Help

Although the above statistics are alarming, even more disturbing is the fact that the majority of addicted mothers do not receive treatment for their substance abuse.

“Women are more likely than men to face multiple barriers to accessing substance abuse treatment and are less likely to seek treatment. Women also tend to seek care in mental health or primary care settings rather than in specialized treatment programs, which may contribute to poorer treatment outcomes. When gender differences in treatment outcomes are reported, however, women tend to fare better than men.” reports Carla A. Green, Ph.D., M.P.H., senior investigator at the Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest.

If these reports are true, and women tend to do well after making the decision for substance abuse treatment, why are they not seeking help? What are the obstacles these mothers face?

In a client poll taken by The Shores Treatment and Recovery Center of Port St. Lucie, Florida, the barriers mothers face when considering addiction treatment options include:

They are afraid of losing their children.

They are afraid of the stigma attached to drug addiction and being judged by family members, friends, and their community.

They view their addiction as a recreational activity or something to get them through the day, even when using drugs involves obtaining them illegally).

They believe drug use is the only way to cope with their anxiety, stress, or stress-related disorder.

They continue to “put off” treatment for their drug use, using upcoming holidays, family events, birthdays and other important dates as a reason to delay the treatment they so desperately need.

How Can Florida Drug Addicted Mothers Get Help?

Raising awareness of the reality of drug abuse as it relates to addicted mothers is a key factor. Prevention should always be the main goal. Many, who seek help for anxiety or depression through a family physician, gynecologist, or other health care provider do not stop to consider the reality of addiction or long term consequences. Immediate benefits far outweigh the thought of future potential damage.

Along with prevention, addiction treatment facilities that directly address the key barriers for these mothers is vital. For example, clients of The Shores Treatment and Recovery Center enjoy a lenient phone usage and visitation policy, which we believe fosters and supports family relationships. We also offer support to the entire family through educational seminars and weekly group calls. Addiction takes a toll on the entire family. We believe in providing care that addresses each client as an individual while providing them with the tools, hope and support necessary to return to a healthy home environment. For an addicted mother, this involves supporting her in her role within her family.

Help For Drug Addicted Mothers in Florida

Drug addicted mothers create a dangerous and toxic home environment for their children, and one which is likely to continue the cycle of addiction, passing the behavior patterns on to future generations. While waiting to enter addiction treatment may seem like the best answer to a struggling mother, the exact opposite is true. Get help now.

Are you a mother struggling with drug or alcohol addiction? Call us today and start the process of recovery.