It is no secret that drug addiction is a problem in our country. What may be less well-known, however, is that this problem is especially prevalent among single mothers than any other demographic. This may be because of the stress of being a single parent, juggling a lot of responsibilities, or the lack of support systems. However, there are ways single mothers can overcome drug addiction and get their life back on track. Here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Making Ends Meet
Let’s face it, being a single parent is exhausting as you have to work extra hard to provide for them; pay the rent, buy the groceries, school expenses, and if they are not in school, paying for their day-care. And that just covers the most basic expenses.
This often means putting in extra hours at work or getting a second job which is definitely exhausting. Moms struggle to take time for themselves and don't even have time for exercise. In such circumstances, our natural extinction to escape the harsh reality causes single mothers to turn to alcohol or drugs.
2. Lack of Treatment Options
One of the primary reasons single parents or especially mothers remain stuck in the drug abuse cycle is that they are not aware of the possible treatment options. Many fear that they will have to move into a rehab facility and leave their child with someone else.
Moreover, some avoid seeking help as they run the risk of losing custody of their child due to their substance or alcohol abuse. Choosing to go to rehab, however, shows that you are taking responsibility for your life and striving to improve yourself for the sake of your child.
However, nowadays with outpatient treatment centers, single mothers can seek much-needed help for their drug abuse disorder. They will only have to visit the center a few times a week and for only a few hours.
3. No Support System
“It takes a village to raise a child” but imagine having to do it all without the support of a partner or in most cases the help from friends or family. As a result, many single mothers are overwhelmed and stressed out as they struggle with the myriad of responsibilities that come with raising a child alone.
The lack of support systems also puts them at a higher risk for drug abuse because this offers them an escape from reality. They feel the need to numb themselves due to the daily stressors they face, hence the over-consumption of drugs.
4. Emotional Toll
The American Psychological Association recently came out with the results of its annual Stress in America survey, which found that single mothers are at greater risk for depression than any other type of caregiver. The study showed that one-third of all single moms experience clinical depression or an "extreme case" of not being able to shake the blues.
As discussed above, single mothers are vulnerable to spiraling into depression and anxiety due to the stress of juggling finances, social obligations, and domestic duties. To combat these feelings, many often turn towards alcohol or Xanax but in some cases, it leads to substance abuse.
Recovery is Possible, Don’t Lose Hope
Going to a therapist or counselor can help you figure out if there are any underlying issues causing the addiction that might be the first step towards your recovery. The good news is that counseling and therapy have shown to be effective for overcoming drug addictions in both men and women. Although that is only possible if your Substance Abuse Disorder (SAD) is at a very early stage.
Outpatient Rehab Center
Although if your dependence on drugs or alcohol is spiraling out of control to the point that has started to interfere with your or your child’s quality of life, then enrolling yourself in a drug recovery program is more favorable.
For single parents, outpatient recovery programs provide them with the freedom to receive treatment without having to worry about childcare. With such programs, they will only have to visit the facility 2-3 times a week (depending on their treatment program). Moreover, they can enjoy the flexibility of scheduling appointments according to their convenience.
Most importantly, these programs are much more financially compatible with single mothers than a residential treatment facility as it doesn’t include the cost of lodging. However, in severe cases of drug addiction, we recommend a partial or full residential treatment program since they provide 24/7 assistance combined with a completely drug-free environment without any possible triggers.
In conclusion, while being a single mother is difficult in and of itself, it can also be quite challenging when trying to overcome addiction. However, there are many resources available for those seeking help such as organizations specifically designed to help single mothers recover from addiction, as well as hotlines and online support groups that can offer assistance 24 hours a day. Don’t try to go through it all alone. You can do it!
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