If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and looking for healing and hope, know that help is available. Recovery isn’t something you have to face alone. At Promises Washburn House’s women’s rehab in Worcester, MA, we understand that addiction doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it’s often deeply connected to trauma and life experiences. That’s why we take a people-first approach to treatment, offering compassionate, gender-specific care to help women heal and rebuild their lives. We’re here to support you if you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery.
What To Know About the Link Between Trauma and Addiction in Women
For many women, addiction isn’t just about substance abuse—it’s a response to deep, unresolved trauma. Studies show that women with substance use disorders (SUDs) are more likely to have experienced traumatic events. Up to 80% of women seeking treatment for SUDs have experienced sexual or physical assault at some point in their lives. Many also face the additional challenge of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with comorbidity rates ranging from 30% to 59% and even higher lifetime rates.1
What Are the Effects of Trauma in Women?
The effects of trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, including:
- Mental health struggles – Women with trauma histories are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mood disorders.
- Physical health issues – Chronic pain, headaches, digestive problems, and sleep disturbances are common among women with untreated trauma.
- Difficulty in relationships – Trauma can impact trust, emotional regulation, and the ability to maintain healthy relationships.
- Increased risk of substance abuse – Among patients struggling with alcohol dependence, women are more likely to experience co-occurring PTSD, with rates of up to 27% compared to anywhere from 14% to 24% in men. This pattern is also seen with other SUDs, such as with opioids, cocaine, cannabis, or sedatives.2
Understanding these effects is essential in creating a treatment plan that helps women not only overcome addiction but also heal from the underlying trauma driving it.
How Does Trauma Affect Addiction in Women?
Trauma changes how the brain processes stress, making it harder to cope with emotions in healthy ways. This can lead to self-medicating with drugs or alcohol as a way to numb pain or anxiety.
The connection between women and trauma is undeniable. Many women turn to substances as a form of self-soothing. Unfortunately, while drugs and alcohol may provide temporary relief, they ultimately worsen symptoms and create new problems.
Some ways trauma influences addiction include:
- Increased sensitivity to stress – Women with trauma histories may struggle with stress more intensely, leading to increased substance use as a coping mechanism.
- Higher risk of relapse – Without addressing the root trauma, triggers can lead to repeated cycles of substance use.
- Co-occurring disorders – Many women battling addiction also struggle with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, making recovery more complex.
Substance abuse often compounds trauma, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break without professional help.
How a Women’s Rehab Center Can Help
Healing from trauma and addiction requires a safe, supportive environment, which is why a women’s rehab center can be transformative. Trauma-informed treatment programs offer various therapies designed to address the unique needs of women, including trauma-informed care, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness and stress reduction techniques, as well as group and family therapy.
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all treatment for addiction, and that’s especially true for women. Gender-specific addiction treatment programs can make a real difference. Here’s why:
- A safe, supportive space – For many women struggling with trauma, being in a women-only setting makes it easier to open up and share.
- Tailored to women’s needs – Treatment focuses on the biological, emotional, and social factors that impact women’s recovery.
- Stronger peer support – Connecting with other women who truly understand the ups and downs of recovery helps build a sense of community and belonging.
Gender-specific treatment provides a space where women can feel secure and comfortable opening up about their experiences without fear of judgment, fostering healing and recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Healing With Promises Washburn House in Worcester, MA
The path to recovery starts with a single step. At Promises Washburn House, we’ve been helping people struggling with life’s stresses since 1896. Our team is here to support you in finding hope, healing, and lasting recovery. You don’t have to go through recovery alone—we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.
If you or a loved one is ready to begin this journey, call Promises Washburn House today at 855.298.3104 or contact our team online.
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