• Jul 23
• Addiction

National Women Touched by Addiction Day

Each year on July 23rd, National Women Touched by Addiction Day honors and supports the resilience of women affected by substance misuse—whether they’ve been personally touched or impacted through loved ones. The day seeks to reduce stigma, educate the public, and honor the distinct challenges women face with substance use disorders (SUD).  

Understanding the Unique Struggles Women Face 

Substance use disorders do not discriminate, but women often encounter specific barriers in seeking treatment and support. Stigma, fear of losing custody of children, financial instability, and trauma are just a few of the challenges women may face. Women encounter substance use disorders differently than men, as a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors shapes their experiences: 

Faster progression: Women typically develop substance use disorders more rapidly, often with shorter exposure and in smaller doses. This is due to hormonal, metabolic, and brain chemistry differences. 

Pregnancy: The psychological and biological effects of pregnancy are additional factors that may contribute to symptoms of substance use disorders. 

Mental health and trauma: Women are twice as likely to live with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or panic disorders, which are all conditions that are closely linked to substance use disorders. Experiences of trauma are also significant contributing factors that increase vulnerability to both mental health challenges and substance use disorders. 

Challenges in recovery: Despite lower overall substance use rates, women have a higher risk of cravings and more challenges maintaining their recovery. 

Societal barriers: Many women have greater challenges in receiving help because of caregiving responsibilities which can limit their time or ability to seek treatment for themselves. Other social factors like stigma and fear of judgement can be barriers to receiving treatment as well. 

Why This Day Matters—and How to Observe It 

As of 2022, approximately 21.1 million American women (14.7%) struggle with a substance use disorder. Additionally, 69.7% of caregivers to those with SUD are women, highlighting the often unseen impact that substance use has on the lives of women everywhere. By spreading awareness and sharing resources, we can work to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance use and mental health disorders to ultimately help people heal and rebuild their lives. 

Help is Available 

At Gateway Foundation, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance us or mental health, call 877-505-HOPE.