Alcohol and Drug Rehab for Women

• Women’s addictions often are rooted in different challenges and traumas than men’s, so gender specific treatment can address these root causes.
• Women may use different substances than men and may experience addiction differently than men.
• Women’s rehab can span varying levels of care and often contains specialized programs for women with different needs and circumstances.
• Gender specific rehab can allow for more candid group therapy and create a space where a person feels safer and more understood.

Women’s drug rehab programs are gender specific alcohol and substance use disorder treatment programs that recognize women have unique recovery needs.

Unlike other programs where men and women are mixed and attend the same programs, women only programs provide evidence-based treatment that focuses on the unique biological, social, and cultural needs of women.

Definition and Scope of “Women Only” and “Women Focused” Rehab

Simply put, a women’s only rehab is an addiction treatment center or program that exclusively treats women.

Women often experience substance use in different ways compared to how men experience addiction, and women also tend to have different factors that complicate or contribute to their substance use like certain types of trauma, mental health conditions, and being a single or primary parent.

From intake through aftercare, gender informed care helps to provide support that’s specialized for women’s issues and it provides a space where women feel safer and more understood.

It’s important to note that there are some rehab centers that are exclusively for women, where only women are accepted as clients. There are other rehab centers that serve clients of any gender but have separate programs for women and programs for men.

A women only rehab can provide treatment plans that use a gender based, trauma informed approach that focuses on treating the substance use disorder and trauma that contributes to addiction. The treatment can be communicated and conducted in a way that resonates with women and motivates women.

Often, these programs feature exclusively female staff which allows women to feel physically and psychologically safe. As well, peer to peer bonding is fostered in this type of environment because women can relate to women on sensitive topics, such as body image, sexual abuse, violence or parenting.

Quick Facts and Statistics on Women and Substance Use Disorders

According to one study, more than half of all women will be exposed to at least one trauma, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. These traumas are often the foundation for their struggle with substance use disorder, so addiction recovery needs to involve healing this trauma too.

As well, women face a faster telescoping progression in their addiction when compared to men. This means that the progression from the first exposure to a substance and the development of significant problems related to its use happens much faster. This is especially true with certain substances such as alcohol, opioids and cannabis.

Unmanaged mental health conditions are common contributing factors in substance use disorder. A KFF Women’s Health Survey found that half of women report that they need mental health care but only half of those women receive this care.

Every person’s journey through addiction and recovery is unique. Overall, however, there are distinct differences between women and men when it comes to addiction and treatment, and gender specific care is necessary to make sure women are treated in the most effective ways for their recovery.

Women face specific physiological, social and psychological challenges that can drive addiction in different ways than men. 

Biological and Hormonal Differences

Women’s bodies and brain chemistries differ from men’s in ways that can affect addiction and recovery. For example:

• The higher amounts of estrogen in a woman’s body make drugs and alcohol absorb faster, which amplifies reward pathways so substance use may be more enjoyable.
• Certain phases in their lives, including pregnancy, postpartum and menopause, create heightened risks for relapse.
• Differences in body composition types can make dosing for MAT or psychotropic medications difficult, so women may be more likely to relapse because their symptoms aren’t being managed as well.
• Women are more prone to certain mental health conditions. For example, women who experience trauma are twice as likely to develop PTSD compared to men, according to the American Psychological Association.

Social Psychological Factors

In addition to the physical differences, women have different societal experiences than men in ways that often contribute to addiction and recovery. For instance:

• Women face higher exposure to intimate partner violence, sexual assault, caregiving stress, wage gaps and poverty. All of these traumas and stressors can pull women toward substance use to cope.
• Women often delay seeking treatment due to stronger feelings of shame and stigma, as well as fear of losing their children because of their addiction.
• Being in a minority group when it comes to race, sexual orientation and socioeconomics can add stressors to anyone’s life, and these stressors are often more impactful for women in these groups. The added challenges from this intersectionality can compound addiction.

Due to these factors, a treatment program exclusively for women can be very beneficial and can address addiction in ways that are tailored to women.

Benefits of a Safe, Women’s Only Environment

Women-only rehabs approach addiction treatment in ways that are relevant to women but there are also distinctive advantages to getting treatment in an environment of only women. These include:

• Reduced risk of sexual harassment triggers 
• Community modeling of healthy female relationships that focus on empowerment
• Spaces to openly discuss issues that primarily affect women like reproductive health, parenting guilt and body image

These factors make a women only environment a more productive place for many women to receive addiction treatment.

Not only do women have different contributing factors that affect their substance use but women often turn to different substances or experience substance use in different ways than men too. This is true for a number of substances from alcohol to opioids to stimulants to benzos.

Alcohol Use Disorder in Women

Alcohol impacts women in different ways than it does men. This is in part due to differences in body composition and hormonal fluctuations that can lead to higher blood alcohol levels and longer periods of intoxication.

Research indicates that women are more vulnerable to developing liver disease sooner than men and with less alcohol exposure. Alcohol related heart disease also develops sooner in women.

Women who consume even moderate amounts of alcohol have increased risks of developing breast cancer, osteoporosis and infertility. Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression can also worsen for women who are struggling with alcohol use disorder. 

Opioids and Prescription Painkillers

Over the past decade, opioid use disorder has increased in women according to the CDC. The Mayo Clinic indicates that this may be due in part to women being prescribed opioids more often than men, at higher doses and for longer periods. With this increased use comes a greater risk for overdose and addiction.

Stimulants (Meth, Cocaine and ADHD Medications)

Stimulants can impact women in very specific ways. Most of these substances can cause irregularities in menstrual cycles, leading to fertility issues and in pregnancy they may increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and low weight birth.

Women have a greater cardiovascular risk with stimulant use too due to heightened sensitivity to these types of substances. As well, their use can lead to malnutrition and excessive weight loss due to appetite suppression. 

Benzodiazepines, Sleep Meds and Polysubstance Patterns.

Medications used to treat insomnia and anxiety are among the most commonly abused drugs by women.

According to the National Institutes of Health, women are more likely to misuse benzos as a coping mechanism, although men misuse the medications about as often as women for different reasons.

The same study found that women were more likely than men to be prescribed benzodiazepines, including long term prescriptions, which can present a risk for dependency and addiction.

Because each woman’s addiction is unique, some women need more immersive and comprehensive addiction treatment while others can recover through less intensive treatment structures. There are women’s rehabs at numerous levels of care to help women regardless of where they are in their journey.

Medically Supervised Detox for Women

Medically supervised detox is a process where your body is cleared of addictive substances under the close medical supervision of qualified staff.

They provide around the clock support, monitor for any complications and administer medications that are dose adjusted for a woman’s body composition, helping to make the process less uncomfortable.

For pregnant women, medically supervised detox is sometimes recommended before delivery to help circumvent some of the complications associated with neonatal withdrawal syndrome. In addition to the facility’s medical staff, an OB/GYN provider will be consulted on the safest ways to manage your symptoms.

Residential or Inpatient Rehab

Residential or inpatient programs provide 24/7 support and daily intensive therapy during the earliest stages of recovery. Individuals reside on a secure campus where they live among women and participate in individual and group therapy along with their peers.

Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs

These outpatient programs provide flexibility that may be important for women who have work or family commitments but still need intensive treatment. They often have day or evening programs that typically require participation several days per week, but women live at home rather than staying overnight at the rehab center.

Traditional Outpatient Therapy and Virtual Therapy

Standard outpatient and virtual therapy provide flexibility to maintain daily responsibilities while still providing the counseling and support needed.

For some women, access to treatment may be difficult due to a lack of providers in their area or transportation issues. In these cases, online therapy sessions provide services that may otherwise be impossible to receive.

Sober Living and Transitional Housing

Sober living or transitional housing provides a bridge between inpatient treatment and daily life.

They offer continued professional and peer support in a substance free environment, which can be especially important in relapse prevention in the first days after completing a treatment program. These homes offer less supervision than you’d have in residential treatment but more than you’d have when living independently.

At any level of care in addiction treatment except for sober living homes, women will receive strategic therapy which uses techniques that are backed by evidence as being effective to treat addiction. Among these, the techniques a therapist uses will be based on the specific client and what she needs for recovery.

Trauma Informed CBT and DBT

These forms of cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT and dialectical behavior therapy or DBT are especially beneficial for women with a history of trauma because they understand that past traumas and abuses can cause a woman to develop maladaptive behaviors.

Through these behavioral therapy techniques, women are taught emotional regulation and healthy ways to resolve or cope with distress, which can be incredibly important in relapse prevention

EMDR and Somatic Therapies for PTSD

These techniques use bilateral stimulation (stimulating both sides of the body or brain) to reprocess traumatic memories.

They recognize that trauma is stored in both the body and the mind. Through these techniques, the memories are weakened, helping to calm the fight, flight or freeze responses that can be triggered by trauma and stress. This gives the individual the tools needed to have a healthier response in the future.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT involves using specialized medications like buprenorphine or naltrexone to reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and support recovery while the patient participates in therapy to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction.

The use of MAT has been shown to reduce withdrawal symptoms, curb cravings and reduce the risk of relapse for women with opioid addiction or alcohol addiction.

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the use of MAT during pregnancy is the preferred course of treatment for women with opioid use disorder. The use of MAT is not a sign of weakness but is a proven practice that supports long term recovery. 

Holistic and Lifestyle Modalities

In addition to individual and group therapy, the use of holistic and lifestyle modalities during treatment provides added support for the mind, body and spirit.

Through techniques such as yoga, meditation, massage, and acupuncture, women can find improved mindfulness that opens them to healthier ways of life and can develop healthier coping mechanisms. All of this helps to support you on your recovery journey. 

Another notable benefit of women-only rehabs is that they’re better able to provide certain services beyond therapy that women may need while they recover. These are some of the advanced services that are common and helpful in women’s rehabs.

Perinatal and Prenatal Addiction Care

Pregnant women benefit greatly from medically supervised detox and continued intensive addiction treatment. Through coordinated care between the OB/GYN provider and the addictions team, women receive safe and supportive services with her and the baby in mind.

Parenting Classes and Family Therapy

Parenting classes help women develop stronger bonds with their children by breaking intergenerational trauma cycles that can lead to dysfunctional parenting skills, including inappropriate discipline or lack of communication. Family therapy can improve relationships including positive co-parenting that can be difficult for many.

Dual Diagnosis for Anxiety, Depression and Eating Disorders 

According to the American Psychological Association, women with SUD are disproportionately more likely than men with SUD to have co-occurring disorders.

For this reason, proper care for these conditions alongside addiction treatment is critical for a future in recovery. Specialized therapy can give them the tools to develop healthier coping skills and make changes that support overall well being.

Gynecological and Reproductive Health Support 

Proper gynecological and reproductive health support is an important component of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Women only programs can address the unique health needs of women, including providing disease screening through pap smears or STI testing, contraception planning and menstrual health support. This whole body approach to care is another component of successful addiction treatment. 

Programs for Women of Color, LGBTQ+ Women and Veterans

In addition to recognizing that women face unique addiction challenges, these are compounded for women in marginalized communities.

Programs that provide culturally competent care that address the trauma of continued exposure to racism and discrimination can help to build the foundation for a future in recovery.

For female vets, the issue of military sexual trauma is addressed through very specialized programs that understand the shame and pain associated with this type of trauma in a safe and supportive environment.

If you’re a woman considering gender specific rehab, what can you expect? Each treatment center will have their own processes and atmosphere but there are certain elements you can prepare for.

A Typical Schedule

While every program is different, many inpatient programs offer structured support and routine which consists of sessions designed to keep you busy and develop personal growth at the same time.

Your mornings, for example, could look like this:

• Wake up and perform your morning hygiene 
• Breakfast
• Morning meditation
• Group therapy sessions that focus on relapse prevention and coping skill development 
• Individual counseling

Your afternoons could include:

• Lunch
• Life skills or addiction education
• Exercise or wellness activities such as yoga, art therapy or fitness
• Free time where you can rest or engage in personal hobbies

This might be followed by an evening that includes:

• Dinner
• 12 step or peer support group
• Evening reflection or mindfulness activity 
• Sleep

Community Culture and Alumni Sisterhood

Many treatment programs encourage peer to peer relationships that offer support even after you complete treatment. Often, they will have alumni events that encourage long term engagement that helps to prevent relapse and offer continued support and community at the same time. 

Privacy, Safety and Confidentiality Standards

Women who have faced past trauma, such as sexual or domestic violence, often have issues with feeling unsafe. For these reasons, women’s programs offer safe and secure facilities that ensure protection during treatment.

As well, all people working in medical and mental healthcare are held to HIPAA compliance, which ensures that your information, whether it be on a medical record or something that was said in sessions, will be kept confidential.

Addiction recovery needs lifelong maintenance, and rehabs recognize that this is key in helping the women they serve to enjoy a healthy life after treatment. That’s why these rehabs have aftercare and relapse prevention services.

Continuing Care Plans and Step Down Levels

Even though you have completed a treatment program, the journey does not stop there. In fact, for some people, going home or graduating from a program can be extremely stressful.

Because the risk of relapse is highest immediately after leaving a program, aftercare provides continued support and check-ins that prevent isolation and encourage engagement with people who understand how difficult this can be. This may be in person or through telehealth appointments or recovery apps.

Women Focused Support Groups

Support groups that understand the unique circumstances and challenges that women face are an important tool for long term recovery.

Groups such as Women for Sobriety, SheRecovers global meetups, or peer led circles that address issues like motherhood, menopause or dating can provide support and are also a place to find understanding among other women in recovery.

Building a Recovery Friendly Lifestyle

In addition to support groups, finding a daily routine that promotes physical and mental health is another step towards long term recovery.

This includes exercising, volunteering or creative outlets such as painting or gardening. Many women’s rehabs will help you explore these types of healthy hobbies, routines and opportunities while you’re in treatment so you can continue them after your program.

Among all of the addiction treatment centers that specialize in treatment for women, how do you know which one is the right fit for you? There are several factors to consider while weighing your options.

Accreditation, Licensing and Evidence Based Credentials

No two treatment centers are alike and for this reason, it is important to make sure that they follow standards set forth by organizations such as CARF or the Joint Commission. These accreditations aren’t required for a rehab to operate but they do let you know that the program and practitioners provide the highest quality of care.

Staff Qualifications and Female Clinical Leadership

All addiction treatment programs should have board certified addiction medicine physicians and certified trauma trained addiction therapists and clinicians.

This is another step toward ensuring that you are receiving the best evidence based treatment practices available. Female leadership also helps to ensure that the unique challenges women face in addiction are recognized and addressed.

Amenities, Location and Cultural Fit Questions

Not only is it important that the program is accredited and staff are qualified but the safety and location of the rehab are also important.

Before starting any program, look for things that are important to you, such as private vs shared rooms, faith based programming, holistic treatment options, dietary accommodations or fitness facilities. You may be more likely to stick with a treatment program if the treatment center is meeting your needs in these other areas.

Red Flags Checklist

Just as you want to look for rehabs that have positive qualities, you should also keep an eye out for red flags that a treatment center might not be a good fit.

Some of these red flags could include:

• Offering promises of a cure or making claims that seem too good to be true
• A lack of individualized treatment plans
• Hidden expenses
• High staff turnover
• Negative actions against the facility by regulators like licensing boards or the state

The internet is a great place to find this information. Read past client reviews, explore the rehab’s website, and contact the state board of health or the local Better Business Bureau to check for anything of concern. 

Rehab.com offers a directory of treatment centers that can be filtered by location, level of care, insurance, amenities or special programs.

This is a great tool for not only locating a treatment program but ensuring that your specific needs will be met. Being away from home is hard enough; finding the right rehab program is a critical step in your recovery journey.

Not sure where to start? Pick a treatment facility that looks right for you, give them a call and talk to a client services representative about their treatment options, availability, and whether your insurance covers their services. There is hope in healing. A brighter future could be just a call away!