Women Touched by Addiction
By Kendall Leahy, MA, NCE pending
July 23rd is National Women Touched by Addiction Day. This day is aimed to raise awareness on the issue of women suffering from addiction. 5.7 % of women have a substance use disorder in the United States, according to 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data. There have been 48,000 women who have died from a prescription pain reliever overdose from 1999-2010. Women’s addiction is not a recent issue and has been around for decades. July 23rd offers a movement to shine light on the disease to help remove stigma, empower women, provide education, open conversations, and help to build the resilience to move forward.
The importance of 23rd is to offer support for women who have been touched by addiction personally or through someone they know. As women, they often experience greater levels of stigma around substance abuse due to their traditional roles as mothers, and caregivers. This day offers a reminder to empower women who have experienced addiction in any form. You are not alone.
At Owens & Associates Counseling and Therapy Center, we are here to offer you support and empower you in recovery and in life. Our team approaches with empathy and compassion to help you build the courage and bravery to take the next steps in life. Addiction takes away control, we are here to help you regain your control!
In the month of July, Mending Hearts, the non-profit who started National Women Touched by Addiction Day, encourages women to share a photo on social media where they lift one finger and share their testimony, or show their support to the community. Below are resources for Women who struggle with addiction or know somebody who does.
Drugabuse.gov – Substance Abuse in women
Niaa.nih.gov – women & alcohol
Southeast Detox – Resources for Black Women
Innterbody – Addiction in Women
SAFE Project – Resources for Women