Helping women addicts to beat stigma and build the courage to seek help - The Jewish Chronicle

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience and courage of women around the world. But for many women struggling with addiction, seeking help is far from easy. The stigma surrounding women and substance use runs deep – often leaving them feeling ashamed, judged and isolated.

Why Is addiction more stigmatised for women?

Society tends to hold women to different standards from men, expecting them to be caregivers, nurturers and the emotional anchors of their families. When a woman struggles with addiction, she is often met with harsh judgment rather than compassion. Common fears include:

Being seen as a “bad mother”: Many women delay seeking treatment out of fear of losing custody of their children.
Shame and social judgment: Addiction in women is often viewed as a personal failing rather than a complex health issue.
Lack of gender-specific support: Many traditional treatment programmes were designed with men in mind, leaving women’s distinctive emotional, physical and social needs unaddressed.
Workplace and societal pressures: Women are often expected to balance multiple roles, making it harder to acknowledge addiction without fear of repercussions.
Influence of social media and body-image expectations: The pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards can drive unhealthy coping mechanisms, including substance use and disordered eating.

The connection between addiction, social media and eating disorders

Social media has amplified unrealistic body image ideals, fuelling anxiety, self-doubt and unhealthy coping behaviour. Many women struggling with addiction also battle against disordered eating patterns, using substances to suppress appetite, numb emotions, or maintain a certain image. The constant comparison on social media can make it even harder for women to recognise when help is needed.

How can a woman recognise she has a problem?

Acknowledging addiction can be difficult, especially when societal and personal pressures push women to minimise or hide their struggles. Some key signs include:

Loss of control over substance use, drinking or using more than intended
Feeling dependent on substances to cope with stress, emotions, or daily responsibilities
Negative impact on relationships, work, or health
Hiding or downplaying use out of guilt or shame
Withdrawal symptoms or strong cravings when not using
Engaging in unhealthy eating behaviour alongside substance use.

If any of these resonate, it may be time to seek support.

The hidden epidemic: Women and addiction

Women often experience addiction differently from men, both biologically and psychologically. They may develop dependence faster, struggle with co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety and trauma, and face greater barriers to accessing care.

Yet, despite these challenges, women who do seek help often show remarkable strength and success in recovery. When supported in the right environment – one that prioritises healing, emotional safety and holistic wellbeing – they thrive.

The Bridge: A safe space for women to heal

At The Bridge, we understand the unique pressures women face when confronting addiction. We provide a judgment-free, compassionate space where women can acknowledge their struggles without fear of stigma. Our team is committed to:

Creating a supportive environment where women feel heard and respected
Offering trauma-informed care, recognising that many women in recovery have experienced trauma
Providing specialised support for mothers, ensuring they don’t have to choose between recovery and family responsibilities
Addressing the impact of social media and body image, helping women develop a healthier relationship with themselves
Encouraging open conversations about addiction to break the cycle of silence and shame.

How The Bridge supports women in recovery

Recovery is about more than just stopping substance use; it’s about rebuilding a life filled with purpose and wellbeing. Our approach includes:

Personalised treatment plans tailored to each woman’s emotional, physical and social needs
Therapeutic support, including one-to-one counselling, group therapy and holistic wellness practices
Nutritional and body-image support, helping women heal from disordered eating patterns that may accompany addiction
Skill-building to empower women for long-term recovery
Aftercare support, ensuring women have the guidance they need beyond their initial treatment.

If you’re wondering if you have a problem, here’s how to start asking for help

If you recognise yourself in any of the signs above, know that you are not alone and that seeking help is an act of strength, not weakness. You deserve support, healing, and a future free from addiction.

Reaching out can be daunting, but taking the first step is crucial. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, contacting a support service or contacting a professional, know that help is available. Addiction does not define a woman. Strength, resilience and the ability to heal do.

On this Women’s Day, let’s honour the women who have fought silent battles, those who are taking their first steps toward recovery and those who continue to uplift others on their journey.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness – it’s an act of incredible courage. Every woman deserves the chance to heal, rebuild and thrive.

Ali Silver is founder and operational director of the Bridge, thebridgemarbella.com

Topics:

International Women’s Day