Recent media coverage has highlighted increasing concerns over women who are avoiding reaching out for help with alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, based on our professional experience, a number of reasons women are reluctant to reach out for help is rooted in a number of false beliefs around receiving treatment.
We have worked with, and continue to work closely with female clients. However, even with these clients, we encountered several prevalent myths and misconceptions that needed addressing before our female clients felt comfortable seeking our support.
Thankfully, these clients have gone on to live fulfilling lives free from their alcoholism with our support and their willing participation in treatment and therapy.
Let’s Examine the Myths and Facts about Women and Alcoholism Recovery
Myth: Seeking help for alcohol addiction as a woman will result in legal repercussions.
During periods of severe alcohol addiction, it’s not uncommon that women might act in ways which they would not normally act if they were sober. Some of these acts, if discovered, could result in legal implications.
Alcoholism is a powerful addiction, and we are familiar with working with women who have driven under the influence with their children, at work, or in positions of great responsibility, to mention just a few examples.
However, even if a client has acted in ways which could be considered an offence, let’s look at the facts:
Fact: Seeking help for alcohol addiction is not a criminal offence. It is a courageous step towards recovery, we offer confidential support to help women without involving legal authorities.
Our goal is to get you onto the road to recovery and to experience freedom from alcoholism. And most importantly, we don’t want to make your life any harder than it already is.
If you come to us seeking help for alcoholism, we want you to be assured that this is not going to raise any red flags to the authorities. The service we offer is completely confidential and will provide you with a space to be open and honest with.
Yes, you may have acted in ways that you’re not proud of. But we’re not here to judge. In fact, there are members of our team who have been in your shoes. What we’re here to do is to help you overcome your relationship with alcohol, and help prevent any of these actions from happening again.
Myth: Social services will automatically get involved if a woman seeks treatment for alcohol addiction.
It’s not uncommon for women with children to be fearful of social services getting involved if they seek treatment for alcoholism.
The powerful love for your children is unconditional, and the fear of losing them can outweigh the determination to seek help, at the expense of your own wellbeing.
However, the facts are:
Fact: While social services may be involved in certain highly unlikely cases to provide support, seeking help for alcohol addiction does not automatically trigger their involvement. Confidential treatment services prioritise the well-being and privacy of individuals seeking help.
Seeking help for alcoholism does not necessarily result in involvement from social services. We operate with a strict and high level of confidentiality for all clients receiving help from us.
To maintain full transparency, there are some highly unlikely situations where we may be professionally obligated to seek extra support from the authorities, however, this is our very last resort, and only done if absolutely necessary.
You will always be consulted before any decision takes place, and the level of service that we have available is here to ensure you have all the support you need to prevent this from being an action that needs to be taken.
Myth: Women who seek treatment for alcohol addiction will face stigma and judgement from society.
With any addiction, there can be a deep level of shame and fear. Women can be fearful about being judged by their friends, family, and work colleagues. However, understanding the facts will hopefully show you why this is not something to fear.
Fact: Society is becoming increasingly understanding and supportive of individuals seeking help for addiction, including women. Confidential treatment services offer a safe and non-judgmental environment where women can receive support without fear of stigma.
A lot of the time, our clients’ friends, family, and loved ones are overwhelmed with relief that they have made the choice to receive help. You’ll probably be surprised at the understanding and supportive attitudes you’ll receive if people find out you’re receiving help.
However, who knows is entirely up to you. Our service is completely confidential. Your appointments take place in complete privacy, and any communication you receive from us outside of therapy will only be with you or anyone else you feel comfortable with us talking to.
If you start seeking help, Disclosing your decision to seek help is entirely optional. Who knows is in your control and only when or if you decide to share this with anyone outside of your treatment.
Speak to our drug and alcohol team confidentially today to find out how we can help you or a loved one
Myth: Women with alcohol addiction must hit rock bottom before seeking help.
Within recovery communities, there’s a saying that goes “every rock bottom has a trap door”. The disease of addiction and alcoholism is progressive. And even though rock bottoms can be a powerful place to start, they don’t always mean the only way to go is up.
We’ve worked with many clients who, before seeing us, have thought they have hit rock bottom before, only to find out that they continue to fall deeper and deeper into alcoholism.
Fact: Recovery is a personal journey, and seeking help at any stage of addiction is commendable. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and prevent the progression of alcohol-related problems. Confidential support services are available to assist women at any point in their recovery journey.
Your pain is your pain, it is not something that needs to be compared to people who you think might have it worse. You don’t need to continue thinking “I’m not really that bad yet” or “I will stop when A, B or C happens”.
The fact is, with the right support, you can step off the lift at any time to start working towards a life free from alcoholism.
Take The First Step To Receiving The Support Your Deserve With Alcoholism or Addiction
Confidentiality, care, and results. They’re the 3 things we prioritise most with any client that we work with. If you have even the slightest inclination that you could have a problem, reach out to our expert team at Home Counties Therapy in Aylesbury today. We can help bring clarity to your situation and will work with you to pave the way to freedom.
It all starts with a confidential and complimentary phone consultation with our caring and non-judgemental drug and alcohol team. Fill in the form below this post and our team will reach out within 24 hours.
