In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the landscape of alcohol addiction services, particularly concerning the increasing number of women seeking assistance for their struggles with alcoholism. According to recent data, there has been a remarkable surge in women reaching out for help with addiction-related issues, with a significant focus on alcoholism. This trend is corroborated by statistics showing a 16% increase in the number of women entering treatment for alcohol addiction across the UK over the last five years.
Delamere, a private rehab in Cheshire, has also observed this trend reflected in their own records. From 2020 to 2023, Delamere saw substantial growth in the proportion of women seeking addiction help, with figures rising from 28% to nearly 37% within just three years. This increase in the percentage of female guests in treatment at Delamere mirrors the national trend and signals a growing recognition of the importance of seeking professional help for addiction-related struggles among women.
Correlating Trends Over The Years
The rising trend of women seeking help for alcohol addiction is further evidenced by various surveys and comparative reports. In 2023, a significant proportion of women surveyed (44%) expressed a belief that alcohol is ‘very addictive,’ challenging historical beliefs that alcohol addiction is relatively rare among women. Comparative reports between 2018 and 2022 reveal a 12% increase in the number of women undergoing addiction treatment across the UK, with a notable 16% rise specifically in those seeking alcohol addiction services.
The latest addiction census reinforces these findings, indicating that women are predominantly seeking rehabilitation services for opiate (27.4%) and alcohol (40.7%) related issues. While men continue to dominate the demographic seeking rehabilitation services, Delamere’s admission data paints a picture of a steady rise in women entering addiction treatment over the past three years.
Opinions From An Expert
Martin Preston, CEO and Founder of Delamere, has reflected on these trends, emphasising the need to address lingering stigmas surrounding women and addiction. He highlights various barriers that historically hindered women from seeking treatment, including childcare responsibilities, fears of judgement, and societal shame. However, he expresses optimism in the continuous rise of women seeking treatment over the past five years, attributing it to the gradual dismantling of societal stigmas surrounding addiction.
“To see this continuous rise in women entering into treatment over the last five years is extremely promising. Anyone can be affected by addiction, no matter their gender, and so women have almost certainly always been affected. Fortunately, the societal stigmas surrounding women and alcohol or substance abuse are slowly dissipating as addiction has become rightly recognised as a healthcare issue and a mental health disorder. This has led to less shame associated with addiction and thankfully, more people, particularly women, are willing to reach out for help.” – Martin Preston, Founder & CEO of Delamere.
Understanding the Role and Mission of Alcohol Rehab Clinics in Recovery
Alcohol rehab clinics play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome alcohol addiction and regain control of their lives. These specialised facilities offer structured and supportive environments where individuals receive comprehensive treatment and therapy tailored to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of alcohol dependency.
Programs typically include medically supervised detoxification, individual and group counselling, behavioural therapy, and relapse prevention strategies. In addition to addressing addiction, alcohol rehab clinics often provide education on the effects of alcohol abuse and support for co-occurring mental health disorders.
The ultimate goal of alcohol rehab clinics is to assist individuals in achieving sobriety, developing coping skills, and fostering long-term recovery through personalised care.
Conclusion
The rising trend of women seeking help for alcohol addiction signifies a significant societal shift in perceptions and attitudes towards addiction. By addressing stigmas and barriers to treatment and providing accessible and compassionate support, we can continue to empower individuals, regardless of gender, to overcome addiction and lead fulfilling lives of recovery. The increasing number of women seeking assistance for alcohol addiction is a positive step forward in the journey towards a more supportive and inclusive approach to addiction treatment.