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Female Drug Abuse

Drug treatment related to gender should attend not only appeal to biological differences but also to social and environmental factors, all of which can influence the motivations for drug use: the reasons for seeking treatment, the types of environments for treatment, the treatments that are most effective and the consequences of not receiving treatment. Many life circumstances predominate in women as a group, which may require a specialized treatment approach. For example, research shows that physical and sexual trauma followed by post traumatic stress disorder or common in women who use drugs more than in men who seek treatment. Other factors unique to women that can influence the treatment process include issues around pregnancy and child care, financial independence and how women arrive in treatment. Women are more likely to seek the assistance of a general or mental health practitioner.

Becoming Physically Active

Physical activity may include structured activities such as walking, jogging, strength training or sports. It may also include daily activities such as household chores, yard work or walking the dog. Pick a combination of structured and daily activities that fits into a schedule. If a person has been inactive for a while, start slowly and work up to at least 150 minutes per week at a comfortable pace. Remember that a person may build up activity over the course of the day in sessions of 10 minutes or more if the individual is are unable to be active for longer periods. For example, whether a person takes three 10-minute walks or one 30-minute walk, the person achieves the same health benefits. If a person wants to lose weight, the person may need to do more than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. Remember that anyone can be active in several shorter sessions and that daily activities count toward calories used.
Regular physical activity may help a person control weight and it may also help: reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis and some cancers, build strong muscles, bones and joints, improve flexibility, increase energy levels, mood and sense of well being.