If you’ve ever whispered the words, “My mom drinks too much,” to yourself, know that you’re not alone—and your feelings are valid. Whether you’re in your twenties, forties, or older, watching a parent struggle with alcohol use can stir up an overwhelming mix of sadness, frustration, guilt, and helplessness. As the adult daughter of a…
Supporting a sister who is battling alcohol addiction can feel overwhelming and emotionally exhausting. Watching someone you love face such a challenge while trying to figure out how to truly help them can leave you feeling powerless. However, your care and involvement can make an enormous difference. If your sister is struggling with alcohol use…
Do women get addicted to alcohol faster than men? Studies show that women start to have alcohol-related problems sooner and at lower drinking amounts than men. On average, women weigh less than men. Also, alcohol resides predominantly in body water, and pound for pound, women have less water in their bodies than men. At Women’s…
Alcohol affects women’s bodies differently than men’s due to differences in metabolism, body composition, and hormone levels. Understanding how does alcohol affect women’s bodies can empower women to make informed choices about their health. From hormonal fluctuations to liver damage and increased mental health risks, the effects of alcohol on the female body are significant…
Recognizing alcohol dependence in someone close to you can be heartbreaking. It isn’t always about how much they drink, but more about how their drinking influences their behavior, emotions, and overall way of life. For family members and friends, it can be distressing to observe signs that someone is an alcoholic. Understanding what to look…
If you’re a woman in Colorado seeking treatment for addiction or managing co-occurring mental health conditions, learning how to set healthy boundaries is a vital part of your healing process. Boundaries help create a sense of safety and self-respect, especially for women who have experienced trauma. They allow us to define what is acceptable in…
As America becomes more comfortable confronting behavioral health issues like mental health conditions and substance use disorders, the opportunities and resources for healing and recovery are growing. There is still a certain amount of stigma and mystery surrounding mental health based on misunderstandings and decades of mischaracterization in popular media. Bipolar disorder is one of…
Vyvanse is a prescription medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, in some cases, binge eating disorders. While it can be an effective form of treatment, it also has various side effects—some more prevalent in women. Vyvanse side effects in females often go overlooked, but like any drug, it can also be addictive. Once…
If you are not sure what Ativan is, it is a brand name of lorazepam, which is a benzodiazepine drug. Other common benzodiazepines, or benzos, are Xanax and Valium. Doctors commonly prescribe Ativan to treat anxiety and seizures. But like most drugs, Ativan is also very addictive. The drug’s sedating effect is what many crave…
Women have specific needs when it comes to substance use disorders. Young women, even more so. Knowing how to deal with a drug addict daughter if she is battling a substance use disorder can be difficult. Having the guidance of professionals with experience dealing with addicted women can help you better help your daughter. Family…