Why are Opioids affecting more women?

It’s no longer news that opioids have increased to a startling epidemic that have affected many in the U.S. Opioids are a type of drug that work on the opioid receptors and are mainly used as pain relief. Their purpose was to be used for the treatment of a variety of different types of pain, such as headaches and muscle aches, however, the abuse of these very addictive prescriptions lead to what we know to be the Heroin epidemic today. The Opioids epidemic last year became the leading cause of death among Americans under the age of 50, estimating 64,000 lives in one year alone.
 
This Epidemic has had a disproportionally higher adversity in women, and in 2016, hospitalizations involving opioids rose by 75% compared to 55% in men. This crisis, in a way, has affected women more than men due to triggering issues, perhaps more commonly reported by women, mainly related to mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety disorders. When discussing issues around addiction, we know the stigma is by far harsher when women are faced with this disorder. For that women have a tendency to reach out for help often when their addiction has reached a devastating point in their lives.
 
Freedom from addiction starts with professional help. If you are currently dealing with opioid addiction, please contact Helix Counseling Services at 949.214.4018 to schedule an appointment today. 

​NY Times "The Opioid Epidemic: A Crisis Years in the Making," 

---