Ever wonder why women’s recovery programs are so different?
Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Women experience substance use disorders differently than men. Specialized care tailored to women’s needs helps them heal and recover.
In this article, we’ll uncover:
- Why women need residential treatment that is gender specific
- The connection between trauma and addiction for women
- How women’s residential programs address all of their unique needs
- Finding the right program to fit your recovery needs
The Differences in How Women and Men Develop Substance Use Disorders
Women are more than twice as likely as men to have substance use disorders, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Women develop substance use disorders differently than men. This is due to the fact that women’s substance use disorder triggers, co-occurring conditions, and body structure differences. Research shows that women are nearly twice as likely to receive mental health treatment as men, highlighting the unique mental health challenges women face. Quality programs like the WRTH Residential Program are designed specifically to address these specialized care needs. The following should be noted:
Women and Men Tend to Use Substances for Different Reasons
On average, women use drugs to cope with psychological and emotional distress. Men, on the other hand, use drugs for social and recreational purposes. And it is because of this reason that women experience trauma in far greater numbers than men.
In fact, more than three-quarters of women who struggle with substance use disorders also experience trauma, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Women Respond to Stress Differently than Men
Stress and mental health issues are also common triggers for women’s substance use disorders. The fact that the connection between trauma and substance use disorder in women is almost universal is the result of this fact.
SAMHSA notes that women metabolize substances differently than men. This difference, called telescoping, causes women to develop a dependence on substances faster, as well as experiencing more severe consequences. Women often require more medical care in the early stages of recovery.
Fear of Judgment Keeps Women in Addiction Longer
Women in active addiction have to face a unique set of stigmas that men do not have to face. These include:
- Fear of losing custody of their children.
- Fear of being a “bad mother” or a failure.
- Judgment of their roles as mothers, caregivers, partners, or providers.
- Fear of becoming a stereotype or label.
All of these factors can play a role in delaying women from seeking treatment until their situation becomes an emergency.
The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction in Women
Trauma is one of the major causes of addiction in women. While the numbers vary, some sources report that up to 80% of women entering treatment for substance use disorders have experienced physical or sexual assault.
Women who enter treatment have a significantly higher chance of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Between 30-59% of women entering treatment also have PTSD diagnoses.
A female therapist can help you with trauma and addiction.
Addiction and Trauma: Symptoms
There is one central trauma symptom that also plays a key role in addiction. This symptom is avoidance. People with unresolved trauma often turn to substances or alcohol to avoid their emotions, memories, or triggers.
Women also use drugs as a method of self-medicating to numb themselves from pain or flashbacks. While men can also experience PTSD, research shows that women are more likely to develop PTSD than men are.
When trauma is left untreated, it can create an unhealed, painful emotional environment within the mind. The only method to avoid feeling the pain is to self-medicate with substances.
Treating both the trauma and the addiction at the same time is key to women’s recovery.
Women’s Addiction and Trauma Treatment
In the first stages of a woman’s treatment program, an individualized plan will be created. This is to help the individual uncover any traumatic events that need to be addressed.
Women’s residential programs have treatment plans with the following in common:
- Education about addiction and trauma
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual, group, and family therapies
- Treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders
The mental health conditions that are most often linked to PTSD in women include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and of course, PTSD.
Women’s residential treatment programs offer a wide range of therapies. Therapies used include:
- Mindfulness and stress management techniques
- Art, music, or movement therapies
- EMDR therapy
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Treatment at a women’s residential facility is individualized for each person and is created with their specific needs and recovery goals in mind.
The Benefits of Women-Only Residential Treatment Programs
Women’s recovery programs offer several key benefits over traditional co-ed programs. These benefits include:
- Understanding and support of addiction and trauma
- Therapeutic communities that provide safe healing environments
- Reduced potential triggers from male peers
- Female-only staff and clinical team
- Treatment programs that specifically cater to women’s needs
- Holistic treatment and recovery programs
- Women-only living facilities
- Flexible programming that is created for you and your unique needs
- Family support groups for women and their children
Women’s programs are vital to providing a holistic recovery. These programs allow women to connect with others who have the same backgrounds, similar life stories, or same kinds of trauma experiences.
In women’s recovery programs, women understand each other. They support each other, and they help each other during their recovery journeys.
The Benefits of Residential Treatment for Women
Women’s residential programs are also different from outpatient treatment programs for several important reasons.
Women’s Residential Treatment Programs Offer 24/7 Care
Women’s residential programs are different than outpatient treatment programs because residential programs offer:
- Constant support from medical staff.
- Structured and scheduled treatment.
- Daily group, individual, and family therapy sessions.
- Nutritious meals.
- Guidance through the recovery process by a full-time staff.
Women’s residential programs are staffed by medical professionals. They provide 24-hour support and help to ensure your success during the treatment process.
Women’s Residential Treatment Programs Offer Extended Care
Women’s residential programs offer extended treatment time when compared to outpatient facilities. The average stay in a residential program is:
- 28 days.
- 60 days.
- 90 days.
- 6 months.
- 12 months.
For long-term substance use disorder treatment, recovery is far more successful with a minimum of 90 days of treatment. Residential treatment programs offer longer lengths of stay.
Women’s Recovery Programs Offer Specialized Care
A women’s recovery program offers specialized care because these programs offer the following:
- Counselors, doctors, and nurses trained in women’s substance use disorders.
- Treatment that is catered specifically to women.
- Staff who specialize in women’s mental health.
- Doctors and therapists who have the experience to help you on your journey.
Women’s residential treatment facilities offer a comprehensive care model that is different than many outpatient programs. They focus on women’s specific recovery needs, including the trauma that so many women face.
Women’s Recovery Programs Address the Whole Person
Women’s recovery programs address the whole person. This is because residential programs offer a wide range of comprehensive care. This can include:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Holistic therapies
- Medication management and psychiatric care
- Nutrition and life skills education
- Health, fitness, and wellness guidance
- Fitness and nutrition programs
- Gender-specific treatment
The whole point of a residential program is to address the woman as a whole. To help them build the life they want to create and live.
Women’s Recovery Programs Give You Back Your Life
Women’s recovery programs give women their lives back. This is because residential programs offer a full continuum of care.
This can include:
- Planning for discharge and reentry into the community
- Extended care programs and alumni support
Extended care gives women the opportunity to continue to receive support after treatment has ended.
Aftercare and alumni support are extremely important parts of recovery that help women in their long-term success.
Ready To Recover?
Women’s residential treatment programs offer comprehensive, gender-specific, and trauma-informed care for addiction. They help women heal from addiction and trauma. To create the life they truly desire.
A quality women’s program can provide the space and guidance needed for long-term sobriety and wellness. You can take the first step to a better life.