It has become apparent in recent years that there has been a significant shift in the number of people seeking alcohol addiction services.
There is particularly an increasing number of women seeking assistance from aa meetings online for their struggles with alcohol. Data over the past five years reveals a remarkable surge in women reaching out for help, with a notable focus on alcohol addiction. A private rehab clinic, Delamere in Cheshire, has witnessed this trend firsthand, highlighting an increased growth in the number of women seeking addiction help from 2020 to 2023.
Looking at statistics, they paint a clear picture that more women are now looking to seek help. Notably, in 2023, a significant proportion of women surveyed expressed a belief that alcohol is ‘very addictive,’ challenging historical beliefs that alcohol addiction is relatively rare among women.
Reports between 2018 and 2022 further highlight this trend, revealing a 12% increase in women undergoing addiction treatment across the UK, with a notable 16% rise specifically in those seeking alcohol addiction services. These findings are backed up by the latest addiction census, indicating that women are predominantly seeking rehabilitation services for alcohol-related issues (40.7%) and opiate (27.4%).
Trends Over The Years
Whilst men continue to dominate the demographic of people seeking rehab services, Delamere’s admission data shows a steady rise in women entering addiction treatment over the past three years, this has increased from 28% to nearly 37%. This shift in perception signals a growing recognition in the importance of women seeking professional help for addiction-related struggles.
Percentage of female guests in treatment at Delamere
2020 – 28%
2021 – 28.5%
2022 – 34.5%
2023 – 36.9%
An Expert Weighs In
CEO and Founder of Delamere, Martin Preston, has given some thought to these emerging trends. Martin emphasises the need to address the lingering stigmas surrounding women and addiction, highlighting the various barriers that have historically hindered women from seeking treatment, including childcare responsibilities, fears of judgement, and societal shame. However, he expresses optimism in the continuous rise in the number of women seeking treatment over the past five years, nodding to the gradual dismantling of societal stigmas surrounding addiction, particularly in women.
“There are many reasons why women historically have been reluctant to seek treatment for addiction-related struggles, from childcare issues, and even fears that their children would be taken away, to shame around the fact they have become dependent on alcohol or suffered trauma or abuse. Women struggling with alcoholism have in the past perhaps been viewed by some in a more judgmental way, causing them to hide their drinking and avoid seeking help.
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.
Stigmas and the issues associated with entering treatment for women do still very much exist however and so the number of women seeking treatment in comparison to the number of women who need or want to but feel they can’t, is most likely significantly different. If you, or someone you care for, require addiction treatment, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
At Delamere, we provide first-class addiction treatments within our discreet, luxury purpose-built facility where all guests, regardless of gender, age, or anything else are welcomed compassionately, without shame or judgement, to heal and grow from their addictions.” – Martin Preston, CEO & Founder at Delamere.
The Rising Trend In Societal Change
The increasing number of women seeking assistance for alcohol addiction represents a notable societal shift in how addiction is perceived and approached. By actively tackling stigmas and obstacles to treatment, and offering accessible and compassionate support, we can empower individuals of all genders to conquer addiction and embark on fulfilling paths to recovery.
The Significance of Alcohol Rehab Clinics in Recovery
An alcohol rehabilitation facility is a specialised centre committed to aiding individuals in overcoming alcohol addiction and reclaiming control over their lives. These centres provide a structured and nurturing atmosphere where individuals undergo a comprehensive range of treatments and therapy tailored to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of alcohol dependency. Typical programs encompass medically supervised detoxification, both individual and group counselling sessions, behavioural therapy, and strategies for preventing relapse. For those seeking a higher level of comfort and privacy, luxury alcohol rehab centers offer this same quality of treatment in a tranquil and upscale environment, promoting a holistic approach to healing and a successful return to a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, alcohol rehab facilities often offer education on the repercussions of alcohol abuse and support for concurrent mental health conditions. The primary aim of these facilities is to guide individuals towards sobriety, equip them with coping mechanisms, and foster long-term recovery. Through personalised care and guidance, these centres empower individuals to liberate themselves from the hold of addiction and embrace alcohol-free lifestyles.
OTS News on Social Media