Often times, women complete treatment for substance abuse before any of these other issues are addressed. In a matter of time, chemical use resumes and problems are worse than they were before entering treatment. Although chemical dependency is a disease which is non-discriminatory and has common symptoms, it does impact women differently than men. Consequently, professional treatment will vary and require different treatment strategies. Guilt, remorse and shame are commonly expressed emotions among some women.
Many women seek approval, acceptance and confidence through their relationships.
When the relationship fails they often feel they are the failure. Women lack family support. One study indicates that 9 out of 10 women stay in a relationship with a chemically abusing husband, but only 1 out of 10 men stay with a chemically abusing wife. Women still struggle with double standards. Chemical use is more acceptable behavior for men, but conflicts with society's role of women.