As the years grow by, the number of women who fall into the unpleasant arms of addiction increases exponentially. It doesn’t help that the impact of addiction (during active addiction and post-treatment) on women is more grievous when compared to their male counterparts.

Women in recovery face a lot of challenges, which can significantly affect their overall well-being detrimentally. This fact is reinforced by an NIH study which showed that over time, women in recovery are more likely to exhibit poorer well-being than men.1

A lot of factors, such as trauma, stigma, gender inequalities, motherhood, etc., contribute to this effect. To have an insight into the travails of women in recovery, let’s take a look at brief descriptions of these factors.

Trauma.

Female addicts are highly exposed to sexual, verbal, and physical abuse, and the distress of these past experiences don’t just fade away during recovery. A study of women with addiction disorders showed that between 55 to 99 percent of women receiving treatment had a traumatic experience, and report a lifetime trauma.2

Stigma.

Due to the societal/familial/cultural roles that women play, women in recovery or active addiction bear an immeasurable brunt of stigma more than men.3 Unsurprisingly, this factor poses a huge obstacle that makes it even more difficult for women to seek treatment.  

Gender Inequality.

Getting addiction treatment comes with its costs. For most women in recovery, financial barriers such as lower wages and incomes due to pay gap may limit their ability to seek and receive treatment.4

Motherhood.

Studies have shown that more than 60 percent of women that are seeking addiction treatment are mothers.5 And when you are a mother, it is not easy to adjust your responsibilities to accommodate new ones like treatment sessions, which are often regular. Also, mothers might be reluctant to seek proper treatments, bearing in mind the possible legal implications, such as child custody or social service involvement that might occur in the future.

The experience of women in recovery, coupled with stress, anxiety, and depression that accompany lifestyle adjustments, can be described as horrifyingly challenging. Despite all the challenges which propel the high likelihood of a relapse, there’s still hope for women in recovery.

Women who wish for permanent addiction recovery can opt for a personalized sober living program, in an authorized holistic treatment center that boasts a distinguished track record in helping women in recovery.

Why use Essential Oils in Recovery?

Factors such as mood, perception, and physical balance, play a role in determining the smoothness of a recovery process. They also influence a recovering addict’s receptive disposition to treatment. Hence, while you may desire to heal fully, stressors such as anxiety and depression can slow down your progress. Fortunately, essential oils used in aromatherapy can help you alleviate these stressors on-the-go.

Aromatherapy, also known as essential oil therapy, is an addiction recovery procedure that helps harmonize the mind, body, and spirit of women in recovery, using aromatic essences naturally extracted from plants. Generally, aromatherapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique, which adopts a complementary, holistic approach in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. The procedure helps lessen the effects of withdrawal symptoms through various means.

The Benefits that await Women in Recovery Who use Essential Oils Include:

  • Relief from physical discomforts such as aches and pains
  • Improved mental clarity
  • Regulation of emotions
  • Relaxation

What are the Best Essential Oils for Women in Recovery?

The addiction recovery phase is a big emotional rollercoaster for women, and you doN’T want to compound it even more with indecisiveness. More than 90 types of essential oils exist and making a choice can be hard.

To make choosing easier for you, the most suitable essential oils for women in recovery have been identified and listed in alignment with the benefits mentioned below.

Lavender

Lavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy for the relaxing effects it provides. The oil can help you relax and remain calm, boosting your ability to appreciate the peace that comes with sobriety. As you embrace this peace, you can build a healthy mentality that fortifies you against a relapse. It also helps to alleviate insomnia and nervousness.

Some other essential oils in this category include –

  • Chamomile
  • Ylang ylang
  • Citrus oils
  • Dill oil
  • Eucalyptus
  • Sage

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is common in people who are in the early stages of recovery. Women dealing with PAWS may find it hard to think clearly most of the time, and are unable to focus for extended periods – not even on things that matter the most. If you are experiencing brain fog, the sage essential oil can help your regain your mental clarity.

Similar oils include –

  • Rosemary
  • Vetiver
  • Ginger
  • Lemon
  • Peppermint

As your body is weaned off its dependence on drugs, it takes time to adjust to normalcy. During this period, you may experience different sorts of physical discomforts such as nausea, headaches, body aches, sore muscles, pains, etc. Peppermint essential oil can help ease your uneasiness and trauma, and put your body in a better condition.

Other essential oils in this category include –

  • Yarrow oil
  • Rosemary
  • Clove
  • Eucalyptus
  • Lavender
  • Frankincense

Women in recovery face many challenges, and when they feel overburdened, their emotions might run rampant. There are lots of reasons why you need frankincense essential oils. However, the one that stands out at this point is its probable ability to regulate your emotions, by relieving depression and anxiety.

This is vital, as these emotional imbalances have the propensity to shove you back into the unpleasant arms of addiction. With your emotions appropriately regulated and balanced, you would be able to make rational choices that boost your sobriety.

Other essential oils with this capability include –

  • Bergamot
  • Lavender
  • Jasmine
  • Peppermint 
  • Sandalwood

Caution

It is important to note that there aren’t enough conclusive scientific researches to prove the efficacy of most essential oils. While they naturally cater to overall wellness in the early stages of recovery, they are not to be a permanent cure for addiction. Instead, they are intended to complement the holistic approaches applied in cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Below are a few things to bear in mind before using essential oils:

  • They are not for long term applications – use them moderately.
  • Pregnant women and those with respiratory problems are advised to stay off essential oils
  • Do not ingest essential oils
  • Do not apply essential oils in your eyes
  • Oils such as sage, are not suitable for women with estrogen-dependent cancer.

If you are indecisive on which oil to go for, please consult your physician or a recovery specialist. Information provided in this post is meant to inform, and shouldn’t be assumed in its entirety as a medical recommendation.

Join the push for an Addiction-Free Community

The addiction rate has been increasing exponentially in the United States, continually ruining the lives of more men and women. If you or a loved one is still struggling with an addiction, now is the right time to seek help.

A drug detox conducted under medical supervision in good, well-equipped drug rehab is the first step towards getting rid of alcoholism and drug addiction. Subsequently, other addiction recovery treatment and post-treatment can be personalized and scheduled to ensure a permanent addiction recovery.

Call an experienced addiction treatment professional to get started on your journey to recovery today.

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