Women and Addiction: Insights from Timberline Knolls' Roseann Rook
if you have a parent that's also engaged in one sort of a process- addiction, you know, I say, would you do family therapy with parents that were drunk or using cocaine?
Have you ever wondered why addiction affects women differently than men? In this episode of 'Beyond the Bars', host Rob Lohman sits down with Roseann Rook, a Clinical Addictions Specialist at Timberline Knolls, to unpack the unique challenges women face in addiction and recovery. Roseann brings over two decades of experience to the table, shedding light on the intricate relationship between addiction and co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
She emphasizes that treating these conditions together is crucial for a successful recovery. Timberline Knolls is a renowned residential treatment center focusing on women's mental health and addiction. Roseann shares her expertise on process addictions—think gambling, sex, and internet addiction—which are often overlooked but can be just as damaging as substance abuse.
She also discusses the hormonal and physiological differences that make addiction a unique battle for women, highlighting issues like prescription drug abuse and its dangerous link to heroin use. One particularly eye-opening segment delves into the struggles of stay-at-home moms who may turn to substances due to a loss of identity. Roseann passionately talks about the importance of community in recovery, urging those struggling to reach out for support from family, friends, or support groups.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the complexities of addiction in women and the pathways to healing.