National Women Touched by Addiction Day arrives on July 23, and this year’s observance is a reminder that addiction affects women differently than men, whether they’re the ones using substances or supporting a loved one through it.
A Day to Recognize Women
The observance was founded in 2021 by Mending Hearts, a Nashville nonprofit that supports women in recovery. Mending Hearts is one of many Tennessee programs that offers many levels of care, in this case, Mending Hearts focuses on aiding women through all stages of addiction recovery.
The observance is meant to honor women who have faced addiction firsthand as well as those who have felt its effects secondhand, through a partner, parent, sibling, or child. Each year, the public is invited to gather on Nashville’s Seigenthaler Bridge for speakers and live music, alongside a national social media campaign.
Mending Hearts has also partnered with researchers at Vanderbilt to produce educational content on the science behind substance use disorders and how they show up differently in women.
Women’s Addiction Looks Different
Addiction doesn’t discriminate by gender, but the path and the barriers to treatment often do. Women are more likely to develop physical dependence more quickly than men at similar levels of use, a pattern sometimes called telescoping.
Many women’s substance use is also closely tied to trauma, including domestic violence, sexual assault, or the demands of caregiving, and shame around those experiences can be a major barrier to seeking help.
Signs of Addiction to Watch For
Recognizing addiction early can make treatment more effective, whatever state you live in. Common signs include:
- Using more of a substance than intended, or an inability to cut back despite wanting to
- Withdrawing from family responsibilities, friendships, or work
- Physical symptoms of withdrawal when not using, such as shaking, nausea, or anxiety
- Continuing to use despite health problems, legal trouble, or relationship strain
- Hiding use or lying about how much or how often
For mothers and caregivers specifically, addiction can also show up as neglecting childcare responsibilities, financial strain from sustaining a habit, or isolation from a previous support network.
Addiction Treatment as a Woman
Treatment programs designed specifically for women often address trauma alongside substance use, provide childcare or family-inclusive options, and create a peer environment where participants share similar experiences. These programs exist in all areas, including the rural countryside, not just in major metro areas like Nashville, so location shouldn’t be a barrier to finding gender-specific care.
If you’re supporting a woman in your life who doesn’t think she has an addiction problem, experts recommend approaching the conversation with compassion rather than ultimatums and a readiness with information about treatment options before the conversation happens.
Stigma remains one of the biggest reasons women delay seeking help, particularly mothers who fear judgment or losing custody of their children if they admit to a substance use problem.
The first year is hard. But look at the long-term timeline for long-term health. Recovery advocates say normalizing these conversations at home, the jobsite, and community settings, is part of what days like this one are meant to do.
Local Resources and Next Steps
Whether you’re in a large city or a small town, addiction treatment centers exist to help. Look for addiction treatment centers near you that offer trauma-informed or women-specific programming, and don’t wait for a crisis to start that search.
We can help. Our browsable directory features verified treatment centers across the country. Call for local options and to ask about programs designed specifically for women.