Are you familiar with the phrase “pink tax”? It is used to describe the fact that women tend to be charged more for many products and services than men are. It is called the pink tax because manufacturers often make products pink in order to market them to women.
An article in Kiplinger says this about the pink tax:
From personal care products to clothing and services like haircuts, women often pay more for similar products merely because those products are targeted to a female audience.
This price disparity can add up over time. Studies show women can pay 10-15% more for products than men…That can mean thousands of dollars in extra expenses over a lifetime.
Obviously, this sort of pricing scheme is unfair—and several states have moved to ban the pink tax.
You might wonder why we are discussing this kind of discrimination against women in a blog about substance use disorders and recovery. Unfortunately, the answer is that women often face more stigma when it comes to substance use disorders than men do. You might call it a pink tax on recovery.
Let’s look at several myths that many people assume are true about women when it comes to substance use disorders, treatment, and the recovery journey.
MYTHS: Substance Use Is a Male Problem, and Women Do Not Use Hard Drugs
Actually, it would be wonderful for women if these two myths were true. But women and men are equally at risk of developing a substance use disorder, and studies have shown that women use cocaine, meth, and heroin at rates similar to men.
These myths are dangerous to women because they incentivize the hiding of a substance use disorder for fear of being more harshly judged by others. Also, the idea that women do not use hard drugs depresses research and prevention efforts that could be targeted specifically toward the needs of women.
MYTHS: Women Are Less Likely to Face Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders or to Relapse
These two myths are false on their face. In fact, women frequently experience co-occurring mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and issues grounded in traumatic experiences. Women are actually more likely to deal with these challenges than men.
Women also face all the obstacles to building a lasting recovery as men do—and often more. Societal expectations of women can lead to significant stress as they struggle to have and do it all—and that stress can pave the road to relapse.
As with the topics above, these myths can encourage women to try to hide their struggles, which leads to negative outcomes—often sooner rather than later.
MYTHS: Women With Substance Use Disorders Are Bad Mothers, but Recovery Fixes Everything
We have noted societal pressures that women face a couple of times in this blog already, but it is in expectations around motherhood that women might face the most intense disapproval from others. Many, many women struggling with drugs or alcohol are also working hard to be the best parent they can be under the circumstances. The idea that a substance use disorder makes a person a bad mother makes it more likely that a woman will hide her struggle because she fears losing custody of her children.
On the flip side of that notion is the idea that once a woman goes through treatment and starts her recovery journey, everything will be rosy from that moment on. The truth is that recovery is filled with challenges for everyone who is trying to build a life that is free from drugs or alcohol. Women and men alike make progress and face setbacks, and have to keep working toward the goal of a lasting recovery. To suggest that women are somehow exempt from this process is simply wrong.
More Myths That Anyone in Recovery Might Face
We have dedicated this post to women and the misinformation that can have a negative impact on their willingness to get treatment for a substance use disorder—and on how society views them. But men are not immune to myths either.
A Substance Use Disorder is Nothing but Taxing
Struggling with substances is akin to a 100% tax on nearly every aspect of your life—including your physical health, mental health, financial situation, relationships, and more. Fortunately, effective treatment is available.
Located near Wichita, Kansas, Bel Aire Recovery Center helps individuals set themselves free from drugs or alcohol. Committed to evidence-based practices that are personalized to your specific needs, our staff is rich in expertise, experience, and empathy—and that is true regardless of your story or your gender. Struggling with substances is akin to a 100% tax on nearly every aspect of your life—including your physical health, mental health, financial situation, relationships, and more.
When you are ready to get the help you need in an environment free from both judgment and temptation, we are ready to help you change your life. Believe us when we say that it will be a net benefit for you and for all the people who care about you.
