'A lot of the calls that we get specifically are from women – for partners, for siblings, for parents… but they don't feel like they can help themselves'
Women struggling with addiction face unique challenges that often prevent them from seeking treatment, according to one expert.
While addiction rates between men and women are similar, societal expectations and caregiving responsibilities create significant obstacles for women trying to access support, says Lia Forma, MSW, relapse prevention and continuing care counsellor at Newgate 180, in talking with Canadian HR Reporter.
“Women are expected to maintain the family life, have it all together and take care of everybody else, and there's no room for their own self-care,” she says.
"A lot of the calls that we get specifically are from women – for partners, for siblings, for parents… but they don’t feel like they are allowed to help themselves."
“Mental health and addiction is a big space in healthcare that is, unfortunately, growing,” says Tammy Sergie, CHRO at mental health treatment centre EHN Canada.
Stigma and barriers to treatment
Many women struggling with addiction do not seek help due to stigma, fear of judgement, and logistical challenges, says Forma.
And even when seek help, they must ensure that everything at home is taken care of, she says.
"We’ve had women here who plan everything out for their partner and kids for the entire month and get all the support they need already ready to go before they come in, because otherwise the family doesn’t know how to function without them.”
Biological differences also play a role in addiction and recovery, she says.
"Women also have the struggle of having a roughly 28-day cycle in the body… our hormones are impacted by drugs and alcohol.
This hormonal fluctuation can influence both substance use and the recovery process, making tailored treatment essential: “For women, it tends to be more emotional,” says Forma.
Meanwhile, for men, it's more of “a 24-hour cycle,” she says.
“That being said, people experience [addiction] across the board.”
Recently, Newgate 180 developed a gender-specific treatment program to address the unique experiences of women in addiction recovery.
"We realized that there were a lot of things missing… women were continuing to struggle because certain things weren’t addressed," Forma said. The program includes female-only group therapy sessions to provide a safe space for women to process emotions and trauma.
Overcoming addiction is a challenge both for the addict and employer, according to a previous report.
What is the impact of addiction in the workplace?
Addiction has a significant impact on workplaces, affecting productivity, employee morale, and overall business operations. According to Forma, addiction is often misunderstood, with many people viewing it as a moral failing rather than a disease.
"Society doesn’t like to think of it as a disease. They like to think of it as a moral failing. It's a lot easier to individualize that rather than say that it's a disease. Because if it’s cancer, we’re very empathetic towards that, right? With addiction, there’s a lot of empathy lost," she says.
Workplace culture also plays a role in normalizing certain types of substance use while stigmatizing others.
"There’s lots of businesses that… engage with their clientele or their customers through going for drinks. You wouldn’t be doing the same thing – ‘Hey, let’s go grab a substance and use that’ – that’s seen as taboo,” Forma notes.
And the fear of punitive consequences often discourages workers suffering through addiction from seeking help, she says.
How to deal with addiction in the workplace
For employers looking to help workers through addiction treatment, it’s important to offer flexible treatment options, such as outpatient support, to accommodate individuals who cannot take extended time off work, says Forma.
Employers can also provide resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
"Some HR folks will have pamphlets and stuff like that in their office to give to employees to show them, like, ‘You’re not alone. Here’s something that might help you’.”
Forma also notes that employers can follow a guide released by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) on supporting employees with addictions.
The guide aims to “help federally regulated employers address substance dependence in the workplace in a way that is in harmony with human rights legislation,” says the CHRC.
It details the five steps employers should take in accommodating substance dependence among workers:
- Recognize the signs.
- Talk about it.
- Gather and consider the relevant medical information.
- Accommodate.
- Follow-up and adjust.
Handling the issue of addiction among workers is a big challenge for employers, according to a previous report.
