Rebuild. Reconnect. Recover.

561-278-0055

Drug & Alcohol Addiction

10 Signs You Are A Woman With A Drug Or Alcohol Problem

Although only alcohol is legal, both drinking and recreational drug use are considered socially acceptable. Depending on your background, age, and social circle, they may even be an expectation. In moderation, alcohol consumption is safe and okay. Many people, especially young adults, find the same to be true for mild recreational drug use. Others begin with the intention of having fun and end up mentally or even physically dependent.

What works for some may not work for others, and just because your friends can drink 3 days in a row and not have an issue does not mean the same goes for you. Likewise, some might be able to use drugs on occasion and have no repercussions, while others get hooked the first time. There is a fine line between recreational use and addiction, and many find it hard to pinpoint the difference. If you use drugs and alcohol and think you may have crossed that line, here are ten signs you’re no longer using for social/recreational reasons-you may have a substance problem in need of addressing.

1. Neglecting Responsibilities

Once in a while, we cut ourselves a break, push aside our responsibilities, and let loose with friends. It’s okay to have fun and enjoy yourself, especially when under high levels of stress. When this starts to become a habit, however, and postponing important things turns into ignoring them to drink or do drugs instead, this is a sure sign you’re starting to lose control. Not getting things done at work, canceling on meetings or family time last minute, and emptying your schedule at the opportunity to use are all things you do when you are, to some level, addicted.

2. You Take It Too Far

While your friends are tipsy enough to have some extra giggles and maybe a few bad dance moves, you find yourself waking up with embarrassing memories, or maybe none at all. People who begin to develop a problem with drugs or alcohol often don’t know their limits or aim to test them. Blacking out, bad hangovers or strong physical and emotional ramifications after a night out are signs you aren’t controlling your intake/usage. Overuse is dangerous and even potentially fatal, and typically tips off friends and family that you may be struggling.

3. Your Health is Suffering

Many times when we begin to engage in unhealthy habits, we don’t recognize them as being negative until our body tells us. Maybe emotionally you feel totally fine, but your body is sluggish and achy with a general feeling of impaired immunity. In some cases early on, the body is fine but the mind is riddled with fog and you aren’t feeling like yourself. Your body knows you best, so if it’s telling you something is off, listen!

4. High Tolerance

It used to take you only a small amount to feel the buzz you were looking for, but now it takes a whole lot more. What three drinks used to do now takes five, or one hit just doesn’t seem to affect you anymore. The more you use, the higher the tolerance. If your body is used to a substance, that means it is considering it a regular habit. This is a clear sign you’re abusing a substance.

alcoholic woman drinking

5. Physical Withdrawal

Physical withdrawal symptoms will vary on the person and the substance. Some signs include: nausea, anxiety, irritability, headaches, and insomnia. When you become dependent on a substance and stop using, your body thinks it needs it and produces these physical symptoms to tell you to get more. Physical withdrawal means you are already dependent, and you should seek help to cut the habit.

6. Failed Attempts at Stopping

Early on these attempts might just be saying you won’t go out Friday night, and going anyways. Maybe you always find a reason or excuse that you should drink or do drugs, and tell yourself it’s not your fault. This is often self-denial, and you avoiding the fact that you feel the physical or mental need to use. When deep into addiction, these attempts might be more serious such as overusing or feeling in desperate need of it when trying to stop. Either way, if you can’t control your use-you may have a serious problem with a substance.

7. Relationship issues

When you’re so focused on drug use, you’re likely neglecting your relationships with a partner, friends or family. You might be spending more time with people who use as well, or maybe your drug use has changed your behavior and isn’t sitting well with those who are normally close to you. When you become too fixated on a substance you become selfish with your time and thoughts, and this can push people away. If you’re abusing drugs or headed on the path of doing so, your relationships will suffer.

8. Lack of Interest

Friends, hobbies, personal care, and even sex will be pushed aside if you have a drug problem. You might no longer partake in things you once enjoyed, or can’t enjoy them anymore because your mind is focused on substances. When you have an addiction, it becomes your only source of satisfaction. Take a look at the activities you’ve been engaging in, and if you don’t have interest in anything that lacks drugs or alcohol, you might have a problem.

9. Lying

Many addicted to drugs or alcohol begin to lie to friends and family about their usage. Subconscious guilt can lead to making up stories to cover up your tracks, stealing money to afford your habit, and denial to yourself and others in order to avoid facing the truth. If you’re lying about how much you use drugs and alcohol, clearly you feel ashamed or guilty to some degree-so this is a clear sign you have a problem.

10. People are Talking

Addiction gets to a point where it’s almost impossible to hide. All these signs previously listen become apparent to friends and loved ones, and they might begin to worry about you. Sometimes other people know us better than we know ourselves, and they might spot the issue before you know you have one. If someone is concerned about you, there’s a reason. It can be frustrating when others think something about us that we don’t agree with, but try to see where they’re coming from. If someone is worried you may have an addiction problem, listen to them. Look at your usage, habits, and behaviors, and if you do have a problem- seek help.

Getting Help at Wayside House

If you are a woman struggling with addiction and mental health issues, Wayside House can help. We offer a women-only program and provide a safe, supportive environment to recover in. We have outstanding treatments and therapies that are often only found in more expensive programs. We offer inpatient rehab with various therapies, relapse prevention education, outpatient, and aftercare, as well as services for medical professionals and veterans. Contact Wayside House at 561-278-0055 to learn more.

Testimonials

  • “Thank you Wayside for being there for her when she needed your help the most!!!”   Woohoo!!! 

  • Wayside taught me how to be a woman and live life clean & sober!

    Alexandra N.

  • “Wayside is more than treatment. It is a home. I grew up emotionally in that little house. I was there for 9 months and they were the best 9 months of my life. To have time to learn about yourself and take the time to focus on yourself is such a blessing. The plants I planted are still there. I see them in the photos. Such a special place!!”

    Amanda O.

  • This is an excellent treatment facility and all women down in Delray Beach, FL. …if you have anything you can send to help these young/older women, believe me anything is appreciated. This place and God did wonders for my girl.

    Amy G

  • Wayside House is where i went to rehab & they are AMAZING!! Its a 90 day program & alot of the girls have absolutely nothing when they move into the house. If your feel generous, or just want to help, it’s a worthy cause!!  Mandy W.

  • “What a rich heritage Wayside House has!”

    Allen S.

  • “It was so nice to hear from Wayside House.  I am still employed and I love my job!!! I will have 9 months on the 21st of October…..All thanks to Wayside and you ladies at the Posner Center!!!!🤗”

    Rita P.

  • “Tonight’s Wayside House Anniversary meeting and listening to the journey’s with 1,2,6,22,29 and 33 years in sobriety empowered my heart! So happy for one of the girls I sent to Wayside House.”

    Katrin O.

  • “Wayside does such good work in our community.” 

    Jan S.

    Contact Us

      Call Us

      Take action now and call us. Our addictions professionals are always on-hand to assist you!

      Wayside House

      Wayside House, Inc.
      378 NE Sixth Avenue
      Delray Beach, FL 33483

      What People Are Saying

      • “I have always supported Wayside House — I know women who have come through their program and support all they do. If you don’t know about this fabulous place I encourage you to become involved and find out more — they are an anchor in Delray Beach and their history speaks for itself.” 

        Nancy S.

      • “I went through Wayside House & it was the first place that actually felt like home to me. The staff actually care about their clients and their sobriety. I worked through so much here without fear of being judged. I love wayside & it will always have a special place in my heart along with ALL the amazing women who work there.”

        Mandy W

      • I so wish I could tell the girls how much Wayside saved my life,  and after 31 years sober, it still is just “One Day at a Time” and “The Serenity Prayer.” I will always remember those first days of being at Wayside and how the girls , the counselors , and the House put me back on track to living a fulfilled and Sober life . I followed the AA steps, got a wonderful sponsor and have followed that path ever since. — Pamela R.

      • “Thank you Wayside for being there for her when she needed your help the most!!!”   Woohoo!!! 

      • Wayside taught me how to be a woman and live life clean & sober!

        Alexandra N.

      • “Wayside is more than treatment. It is a home. I grew up emotionally in that little house. I was there for 9 months and they were the best 9 months of my life. To have time to learn about yourself and take the time to focus on yourself is such a blessing. The plants I planted are still there. I see them in the photos. Such a special place!!”

        Amanda O.

      • This is an excellent treatment facility and all women down in Delray Beach, FL. …if you have anything you can send to help these young/older women, believe me anything is appreciated. This place and God did wonders for my girl.

        Amy G

      • Wayside House is where i went to rehab & they are AMAZING!! Its a 90 day program & alot of the girls have absolutely nothing when they move into the house. If your feel generous, or just want to help, it’s a worthy cause!!  Mandy W.

      • Allen S.

        “What a rich heritage Wayside House has!”

      • Rita P.

        “It was so nice to hear from Wayside House.  I am still employed and I love my job!!! I will have 9 months on the 21st of October…..All thanks to Wayside and you ladies at the Posner Center!!!!🤗”

      • Katrin O.

        “Tonight’s Wayside House Anniversary meeting and listening to the journey’s with 1,2,6,22,29 and 33 years in sobriety empowered my heart! So happy for one of the girls I sent to Wayside House.”

      • Jan S.

        “Wayside does such good work in our community.” 

      • Leah J.

        “I just wanted to thank you for how you and the team make the world a better place.  I won’t claim to understand the things you sacrifice, but you are truly wonderful for doing so.“

      • Janine T.

        “I  highly recommend Wayside Women’s in Delray Beach. My daughter completed their wonderful program, she’ll have 2 years July 1st. They have an active alumni. I couldn’t say enough good things about them, they’ve been doing this since mid70’s.”

      • Stacy J.

        “ Thankful for my sobriety and for Wayside! “

      • Susan B.

        “Wayside House was and is an amazing place to me. I am on a journey that is better than I could have ever imagined. The strength of the women that came before me, that are beside me, and those that are there now teach me how to live “.

      • Lisa D.

        “Wayside saved my life and I will never be able to repay them for everything they have done for me.”

      • Dolores A.

        “Wayside house saved my daughter’s life. She transformed into the beautiful woman I knew she could be. It’s only been a few months but one day at a time she and I are enjoying her recovery journey!!!”

      • Jeanne H.

        “We appreciate all that you do to help individuals in recovery, demonstrating God’s love in our community. Your staff at Wayside House continue to help in so many ways, women and their families that need the love, care and support that you are able to provide. Thank you so much for all you do for them.  May God continue to bless you, your staff and your volunteers each and every day for the light you provide for our community.”

      • Susan C.

        “ Wayside is “the light”! Congratulations on the article in the Palm Beach Post
        for all you do to make the commitment to help those in need.”

      • Lynne B.

        “I will always be grateful to Wayside for giving my daughter the tools and knowledge to live a sober life on the outside. You changed her life thank you thank you thank you, may all the people that pass through your wonderful cozy house succeed in sobriety as well.”

      • Katy B.

        “I am sober and happy today thanks to Wayside.”

      • A.D.

        “Having the opportunity to go to Wayside was the best thing I’ve ever done. They lovingly deconstructed my life so I could put it back together. They are a serious program that gave me the ability to understand myself in a way I never thought was possible. They didn’t baby me and they taught me how to be beautifully authentic with myself and those around me. I really can’t thank them enough.”

      • Susan T.

        “Please keep up your wonderful work; the kids of south Florida need you.”

      • Jaimie K.

        “I am making this donation and thank you for all you do!”

      • Pam H.

        “Celebrating 29 years 7/22/2016. Sponsoring, 3-5 meetings a week, and forever grateful to Wayside House!”

      • Laura B.

        “I will be celebrating my 17th year clean and sober.  PLEASE share with the celebrants that I am with them in spirit even though I can’t be with them.  Wayside rocks!  Remind them to stay until the magic happens.”

      • BH alumni

        “I just want to give a shout out to the Wayside staff and alumni who organized and participated in the first annual gratitude dinner. The entire evening was absolutely devine! Wayside House saved my life and I am so very happy that you are at the helm.”

      • Brenda

        “Just walking down memory lane! I Love Wayside House! I went through twice!!
        LOL!! Clean and sober today! Love to all the women! XOXO”

      • Ashley

        “Thank you to Marlies and the Posner Center because without your guidance I wouldn’t have been pushed to pursue what I love and want out of a job and school. You’re amazing!”

      • Colletta D.

        “Proud to be a donor supporter of your efforts.”

      • Sara W.

        “Wayside House saved my life. It was a place that gave me a purpose to follow my dreams. And gave me a life that I never thought could be possible. It is a place where God lives in the lives of so many recovering women. Thank you.”

      • Andrea S.

        “So many miracles and beautiful souls are at Wayside. It’s a very special place.”

      • Phoebe M.

        “What an incredible gift to have gone to Wayside House.  Keep up the great work!”

      • Kathy G.

        “I’m so grateful to be a Wayside Winner 12/89 . One day at a Time.”

      • Christine D.

        “I have to commend Wayside House. They are a 1st class treatment center.”

      • Christine A.

        “I went through Wayside House in 1991 and have been clean and sober for 23 years. I have had four children, two grandchildren, and am happily married. The aftercare and parenting groups that Wayside had is something that helped me so very much as a new parent who was fairly new in recovery. I now have a Bachelor’s degree in social work and am working on a Master’s degree in counseling specializing in addictions counseling. If I had not been placed in Wayside House so many years ago I would have never been able to achieve the things that I have in my life. I am forever grateful for the blessing it has had in my life!”

      • Jeffrey Lane Esq., Weiner, Lynne & Thompson P.A.

        “Wayside is the benchmark by which I hold other similar facilities too.”

      • John Lehman, President FARR

        “I know many women whose lives have been greatly impacted by the quality support they experienced while enrolled and residing in your program. My first hand knowledge dates back to 1980 and I can attest to Wayside’s long tradition of excellence.”

      • J.L.

        “Wayside House saved my sobriety at a critical time in my life. My HP knew I needed to be there and surrounded by strong women who believed in me. Thank you!”

      • Evelyn H.

        “ My life has changed very deeply. I have been given the gift of life in sobriety and treating it like a present.”

      • Cynthia F.

        “I hated God & tried not to believe in any higher power before getting sober. Now I know that each day is a gift and
        that all things are possible through my spiritual connection. All of life is a miracle and for the ultimate good.”

      • Liz D.

        “I just wanted to send my gratitude and thanks for all you have done for me and thousands of women out there recovering from addictions.”

      • Sally W.

        “God bless your work at Wayside.”

      • T.P.

        “Thank you for all that you have done to make me experience Wayside and the true change in my life through this program. I am grateful.”

      • Cindy

        “To all of you fortunate enough to celebrate the holidays at Wayside, I hope you find peace and happiness.
        My Christmas at Wayside was one of the best ever as I received the lasting gift of sobriety. God Bless you all!”

      • Anonymous

        “ My children have been returned and I have found God.”

      • Anonymous

        “Wayside House and God have given me a life I never thought I deserved.”

      • Anonymous

        “Wayside House played a very big role in treating our daughter. We will be forever grateful for you and our blessings from the Lord.”

      • Anonymous

        “ I have restored relationships with my family and learned how to love others. I am accountable, help and trust others and enjoy living life. I have peace and I don’t worry. I know that everything is going to be OK. I also attend three meetings a week and sponsor several women.”

      • Anonymous

        “ By spending time with my awesome God every morning who saved me by touching my life while at Wayside. God continues to draw me close to him.”

        Featured Posts

        In-Network Insurance

        Anthem BlueCross BlueShield
        Beacon Health Options
        BlueCross BlueShield
        Cigna
        Florida Blue
        Magellan Health
        MHNet Behavioral Health
        New Directions Behavioral Health

        Take the next step...

        It's imperative that you take action now and call us.

          Partners And Associations

            For 24/7 Rehab Help, Click To Call