A New Era – Women Leading the Charge Against Alcohol Addiction

In recent years, a profound shift has unfolded in the realm of alcohol addiction services, with a noticeable surge in the number of women seeking assistance for their battles with alcoholism. Over the past half-decade, data has unveiled a remarkable uptick in women reaching out for help, particularly focusing on alcohol addiction. Delamere, a private rehab clinic in Cheshire, stands witness to this trend, reporting a significant rise in the number of women seeking addiction help from 2020 to 2023.

% of female guests in treatment at Delamere

2020 – 28%

2021 – 28.5%

2022 – 34.5%

2023 – 36.9%

Delving Into The Statistics

Statistics tell a compelling story of women’s increasing willingness to seek help. Notably, in 2023, a considerable proportion of surveyed women acknowledged alcohol’s highly addictive nature, challenging long-held beliefs about women and alcohol addiction. Comparative reports from 2018 to 2022 further illuminate this trend, revealing a notable uptick in women undergoing addiction treatment across the UK, with a significant rise specifically in those seeking help for alcohol addiction services. These findings resonate with the latest addiction census, indicating a predominant inclination among women towards rehabilitation services for alcohol-related issues.

Trends Over Time

While men do continue to comprise the majority of those seeking rehab services, Delamere’s admission data underscores a steady increase in women entering addiction treatment over the past three years, rising from 28% to nearly 37%. This perceptible shift signals a growing acknowledgment of the importance of women seeking professional help for addiction-related challenges.

Insights from an Expert

Martin Preston, CEO, and Founder of Delamere, reflects on these emerging trends. He underscores the importance of addressing the lingering stigmas surrounding women and addiction, highlighting the barriers that have historically impeded women from seeking treatment. Despite these challenges, Martin expresses optimism in the upward trajectory of women seeking treatment, attributing it to the gradual erosion of societal stigmas surrounding addiction, particularly for 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 Path to Societal Transformation

The increasing number of women seeking assistance for alcohol addiction highlights a significant societal shift in how addiction is perceived and addressed. By actively dismantling stigmas and barriers to treatment and offering accessible, compassionate support, we empower individuals of all genders to confront addiction and embark on journeys to recovery.

The Role of Alcohol Rehab Clinics in the Recovery Journey

Alcohol rehabilitation facilities serve as sanctuaries dedicated to helping individuals overcome alcohol addiction and reclaim control over their lives. These specialised centres offer structured environments where individuals receive tailored treatments and therapies addressing the multifaceted aspects of alcohol dependency. From medically supervised detoxification to individual and group counselling sessions, these facilities equip individuals with the tools needed for sustained recovery. Moreover, they provide education on the consequences of alcohol abuse and offer support for concurrent mental health conditions. The ultimate goal of these facilities is to guide individuals toward sobriety, empower them with coping mechanisms, and foster enduring recovery. Through personalised care and guidance, alcohol rehab clinics empower individuals to break free from the grips of addiction and embrace fulfilling, alcohol-free lives.