Women’s Drug Abuse and Addiction

Women's treatment programs deal with unique, addiction related needs in a woman-centered environment, allowing the patient to feel safe as she works through the pain of addiction. Sometimes, women who are drug addicts or alcoholics have been victims of sexual trauma or abuse. “Women reportedly begin abusing drugs or alcohol after a specific traumatic event, and research indicates that as many as 70% of women in substance abuse treatment have histories of physical or sexual abuse” (http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/./OSAS-REGenderSpecificSATX.doc).

Sadly, the rates of women entering addiction treatment, staying in treatment, and completing treatment are far lower than those for men. The primary goal of women's addiction treatment is to provide a safe and comfortable haven where women can focus on the process of healing and recovery.

Drug Treatment for Women

Because traditional co-ed treatment facilities are designed to treat both men and women, some women may not feel comfortable in them. They might not fully participate in the treatment program and/or discharge themselves early before recovery can occur. Sometimes, therapists unfamiliar with gender specific issues can unknowingly victimize women patients with aggressive therapeutic approaches or sexual harassment.

Women reportedly begin abusing drugs or alcohol after a specific traumatic event, and research indicates that as many as 70% of women in substance abuse treatment have histories of physical or sexual abuse

A drug rehab for women can provide a safe place to detox your body while nurturing your mind, body, and spirit without the distraction of men. Often women addicts are used to unhealthy relationships with men. In a women’s treatment program, the distraction of potential male/female relationships is removed. Furthermore, women who are addicts are likely to be involved in relationships with drug or alcohol abusing men. Entering an alcohol and drug rehab for women could offer the best chance for addiction recovery.

There are many issues that relate to women, addiction, and recovery that need specific attention such as body image, eating disorders, life fulfillment and potential, and motherhood. Women also become addicted more quickly than men and get sicker faster than their male counterparts. They tend not to have the familial support at home during the treatment process and issues related to childcare can seem monumental. Sadly, women may want and seek help but they may be at risk of losing their children to state foster care programs. Without the appropriate support in the treatment program, such women are at risk of leaving treatment too early.

High quality women's addiction treatment focuses on building a woman's self-esteem, empowering her with the support and self-confidence she needs to achieve long-term recovery. Alcohol and drug rehab for women allow primary gender related issues to be handled in individual or group therapy with other women, but may utilize co-ed meetings for other services. Sensitive issues are not exposed in a co-ed group thus maintaining emotional safety and security for the recovering women.

In a women's addiction treatment program, women who are battling addictions can bond with each other in a way rarely experienced in a conventional treatment program. This unique level of trust builds:
– A sense of community and understanding
– Trust, compassion, and honesty
– Open and honest talk about women's issues and experiences
– Life-long friendships

If you are suffering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol and you're not totally comfortable with conventional co-ed treatment centers call Recovery Connection today at 866-386-1608 to find a treatment center that is right for you.

Oftentimes, women in alcohol and drug rehabs for women learn for the first time how to have a supportive, nurturing relationship with other women. That in turn, increases their own ability to listen and empathize, or to share negative thoughts that if kept secret will cause a relapse. Sometimes in a drug rehab for women a woman can find her voice for the first time, helping her to define who she is, what she wants, what she likes and dislikes, without the approval or judgment of a man.

Any good addiction treatment program will address:
– Mental health disorders and addiction (dual diagnosis)
– Alcoholism
– Drug addiction
– Criminal behavior

A quality drug rehab for women will also offer:
– Family therapy
– Group therapy
– Aftercare program
– Relapse prevention
– Sexual trauma and abuse
– Domestic violence
– Cultural context of of being a woman
– Pregnancy and drug and alcohol abuse
– Eating disorders and body image
– Parenting and motherhood
– Victimization and abuse
– Sexual behavior
– Sexual orientation and identity
– Codependent behavior

The goal of a woman's drug rehab program is to build on skills that develop self-sufficiency and a differentiated sense of self, while learning how boundaries can create real intimacy and health. Women generally seek connectedness, but it is through healthy connectedness that one achieves a strong sense of self.