The SHE Word S5/010 - Women Dealing With Addiction

The hard truth is that addiction touches every single one of us, either personally, or through a family member, friend or colleague. We may not give the topic much weight, but addiction is much more prevalent today than we might consider.

Whether it is recreational drugs, medication, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, social media and scrolling, shopping, eating, or any other outlet for our emotions and stress to hide themselves in, addiction affects so many of us. A great deal of addictions are related to socially acceptable behaviour and therefore remain unrecognised. Addiction does not discriminate between gender or age; girls and young women aged 12-17, 61.5% are more likely to have an alcohol use disorder than males. The most frequent substances used by women are prescription medication, alcohol, and nicotine products. Women develop medical or social consequences of addiction faster than men, often find it harder to quit, and are more susceptible to relapse, and whilst men are more likely to abuse illicit drugs and alcohol, women are more likely to go to the emergency room or fatally overdose due to substance abuse.

With this reality in mind, Trudy sits down at the table with three women who know a great deal about addiction;

Mei Berrit is an ex smoker and ex drinker who quit alcohol two years ago, Mei also has a degree in psychology and a diploma in life coaching and wanted to share her own experiences of addiction and cleaner living.

Anna Maria Vella is the Clinical Chair at Foundation for Social Welfare Services’ (FSWS) Sedqa, Dr Anna Maria is also a founding member of Dar Hosea and has not only experience of working with those affected by addiction, but addicts themselves.

And Mariella Dimech joined The SHE Word on a number of shows, first taking about menopause and then the very popular series on Women and Narcissists. Psychotherapist, TV presenter, and drug rehabilitation expert has joined the show to share her knowledge, expertise and first hand experience of working with addicts.

This conversation looks at the cause of addiction, the alcoholic gene, the affect of addiction on the individual and the impact on the family, friends and partners of those with addictions. The ladies also discuss why some are affected by addiction and others are not, as well as looking how to identify addiction, deal with addiction and support those dealing with addiction.

A truly powerful show for ALL women of today.

If you are affected by the topic today please contact:

SEDQA - https://fsws.gov.mt/sedqa/

RICHMOND FOUNDATION: https://www.richmond.org.mt/