People experiment with drugs and alcohol every day. While some drugs may seem more benign than others, drug use may be a sign of underlying mental health issues or unresolved trauma. For those living with unhealed trauma and undiagnosed mood disorders like anxiety and depression, drugs and alcohol provide an uncomplicated method of self-medication. For many women, social pressure, unresolved trauma, and expectations can lead to gateway drugs and other drug use. A women’s drug addiction treatment program can help keep gateway drugs from addiction.
If you or a woman in your life is using gateway drugs, call The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® today. Our holistic drug addiction treatment center serves young women just south of Asheville, North Carolina. Call us today 855.773.0614 to learn more about holistic women’s addiction treatment programs.
Are Gateway Drugs a Myth?
Drug prevention programs in schools often discuss gateway drugs. Many think gateway drugs are a myth. However, gateway drugs are easily accessible, often legal, and affordable addictive substances. Here are the most common gateway drugs:
Alcohol
Perhaps the most common gateway drug, alcohol, is often considered to be benign. Because alcohol is legal and easy to get, many people experiment with alcohol. As a depressant, alcohol slows the nervous system and impairs judgment. Alcohol is addictive, and many people begin using other drugs while drinking. Like other drugs, the more someone drinks, the more alcohol they will need for the same effect. This often leads to combining alcohol with cigarettes, marijuana, prescription painkillers, or cocaine and methamphetamines.
Cigarettes and Tobacco Products
It’s commonly known that cigarettes are addictive. Nicotine is a highly addictive ingredient in cigarettes that also produces the calm euphoria and decreased appetite cigarettes are known for. Like most drugs, when someone becomes addicted to nicotine, they have to smoke frequently to prevent withdrawal. For many, this leads to combining cigarettes with marijuana and alcohol for more potent effects.
Marijuana
Marijuana use is increasingly common. While people have used cannabis for centuries, new, more potent strains have made the THC in marijuana more addictive. Many cannabis products like Delt 8 are unregulated, meaning it’s hard to know what else is in an edible or vape pen. This can make cannabis products even more addictive. While many people don’t believe marijuana is addictive, people may become dependent on THC. The euphoric effects of cannabis can lead to other drug use.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs are easily accessible and given to people every day. Benzos, Adderall, and opioid painkillers are common and addictive. For many people, a prescription for any of these drugs can lead to further drug use and combining pills with alcohol for a stronger effect.
Experimenting with drugs and alcohol is often a rite of passage in our country. Using gateway drugs can be experimentation. However, it can also be a sign of something else. Gateway drug use should always be taken seriously.
Start Addiction Treatment for Women Today at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®
For many women, gateway drugs can provide stress relief and help them cope with trauma, anxiety, and depression. However, prolonged use of frequent use of gateway drugs can lead to illicit drug use and addiction. Unfortunately, young women tend to keep drug use and addiction to themselves. At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we believe in creating a sanctuary where young women can heal together.
Our Asheville, North Carolina clinic provides dual diagnosis and addiction treatment specifically for women. With individual, group, and family therapy options, we provide treatment for addiction, disordered eating, and trauma.
If you or a woman in your life needs gender-specific addiction recovery help, call The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® today. Our staff is waiting to answer your questions at 855.773.0614. Don’t wait, call us now.