CENTER CITY, Minn., March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hazelden Foundation today announced the release of a new addiction recovery resource for women, A Woman's Guide to Recovery. Written by Brenda Iliff, Clinical Director of the Hazelden Women's Recovery Center, the book offers an honest and direct approach for women seeking solace from the grips of drug and alcohol addiction. Iliff gives practical advice, hope and encouragement, and focuses on the unique issues and needs women face in addiction and recovery.
There is a growing need for more women to receive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. An estimated 7.4 million females in the U.S., age 12 and older, were substance dependent or abusers in 2004. Of those, only 10 percent received treatment.
"Addiction is a disease of isolation and disconnection," said Iliff. "Disconnection with one's self, others and the world. Recovery is ultimately about connections -- connecting with one's self, and with others who share your experiences. As women are wired for connection, recovery is truly a natural for women. This is a book of great hope. Of moving from isolation and despair to a way of life beyond our wildest dreams. It's my hope that it's practical, and helps people as they make this journey, one small step at a time, one day at a time."
The disease of addiction and receiving treatment are unique for women because:
-- Women start using alcohol and drugs for different reasons than men. -- Women metabolize alcohol and drugs different than men, enabling them to become addicted more quickly and experience more progressive and destructive physical health affects from using. -- Women experience co-occurring mental health disorders differently than men including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress syndrome, which need to be addressed in treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. -- There are often barriers for women to seek and receive treatment for addiction including childcare and family needs, stigma and shame and financial concerns.
In her book, Iliff draws on more than 20 years of clinical experience in the addiction treatment field to teach women about:
-- The basics of addiction, and how to get started in recovery -- How addiction and recovery are different for women -- What self-care means -- physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually -- How recovery affects relationships, including those with children -- Why does relapse happen? The myths and warning signs, and tips for preventing relapse -- Practical tips for getting and staying in recovery -- How the promises of recovery can transform a woman's life
The book helps women "connect" by illustrating the inspirational stories of 10 women who have succeeded -- sometimes against unbelievable odds -- in finding recovery and creating lives of personal freedom, strength and accomplishment.
"I just want women to know that it gets better," says Glenda, a woman in recovery whose personal story is illustrated in the book. "And if there's no pain there's no gain ... But it will pass. And no matter what situation comes up, no matter how life shows up, know that you don't have to use, no matter what."
A Woman's Guide to Recovery is available at book retail outlets nationwide, online on major book retailer Web sites and on the Hazelden Web site at hazelden.org/bookstore. For more information about Hazelden or additional resources offered by Hazelden Publishing, visit hazelden.org or call 1-800-257-7810.
About the Author
Brenda Iliff, M.A., is a clinician, author, administrator, lecturer, and writer in the field of addiction. She is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and has worked in the addiction treatment field for more than fifteen years. She is currently the clinical director of the Hazelden Women's Recovery Center at Hazelden Foundation in Center City, Minnesota.
About the Hazelden Women's Recovery Center
The Hazelden Women's Recovery Center opened in the fall of 2006 in Center City, Minn. to meet a four-fold increase in demand for women's services at Hazelden. The facility expanded Hazelden's capacity to treat women by more than 37 percent, and provides an enhanced care environment conducive to the unique needs of women struggling with addiction.
About Hazelden
Hazelden, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1949, helps people reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. Built on decades of knowledge and experience, Hazelden offers a comprehensive approach to addiction that addresses the full range of patient, family, and professional needs, including treatment and continuing care for youth and adults, research, higher learning, public education and advocacy, and publishing.
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