Women’s Rehab Programs

What is a Female-Only Recovery Program?

Addiction and recovery are two things that men and women inevitably experience differently. Women’s rehab programs focus on female-specific recovery. Generally, women abuse different substances through different methods, at different rates, and for different reasons than men do.

Women also face different barriers, have different mental health conditions, and work toward different recovery goals. Biological differences and societal expectations can greatly alter our experiences. And that is something that deserves more attention.

Female-only recovery programs address the root causes, mental and physical health concerns, and other aspects of addiction that are unique to women. Many individuals have found lasting sobriety through a women’s rehab program.

But gender-specific treatments are not right or necessary for everyone. In addition to working alongside you during your recovery, we are here to help you find the right path for you.

Benefits of Gender-Specific Programs

While men are more likely to use and become addicted to almost all types of illicit drugs, women are just as likely as men to develop a substance use disorder. Additionally, research shows that women tend to be more susceptible to cravings and relapses than men.

Gender-specific programs acknowledge the similarities while addressing the differences. Now that we’ve talked about some similarities, let’s dig deeper into the differences. One of the biggest is that men and women tend to abuse drugs and alcohol for vastly different reasons.

While men often cite work stress, peer pressure, or perceived benefits as reasons to abuse drugs or alcohol, women tend to start for other reasons. Women often abuse alcohol or drugs to cope with something.

Many women in recovery are coping with a mental health disorder or an event in their lives that caused psychological distress, including abusive relationships and past traumas. Feeling safe in treatment may require opening up to a group that only contains other women.

That is where women’s rehab programs can be particularly beneficial.

Other Benefits of Women’s Rehab Programs

One of the biggest benefits of a women’s rehab program is that it focuses on the unique root causes of female addiction. Another is that it provides a safe space for women, promoting a sense of openness, friendship, and comfort among those with similar experiences.

This safe space also makes it easier for many women to build reliable support systems and facilitate long-term sober social circles. For women who do not have support from friends or family at home, this peer support is particularly important.

Additionally, gender-specific treatments tend to reduce distractions, which makes room for open, honest, and productive conversations during group meetings and therapy sessions. For women, it’s important to spend enough time on biological and cultural concerns, some of which we will discuss in the next section.  

Unique Concerns of Women in Treatment

One of the most common concerns of women seeking rehab is how it will affect their families. Seeking recovery as a mother throws additional challenges into the mix, including finding childcare and providing emotional support for others.

Traditional female roles dictate that women are supposed to be caregivers. But one thing we have learned over the years is that, sometimes, you have to take care of yourself first. And there is nothing wrong with asking for help so that you can do that. If that help is not available through family or friends, we can help you find the resources you need.

Our women’s rehab programs not only provide a safe space for recovery, community, and support but can also help you break destructive cycles. Destructive relationships, behaviors, and thoughts can be fixed, with effort on your end and guidance on ours.

Getting into treatment is the first step toward a better life. Whether mental, familial, or economic, women are more likely than men to encounter barriers that prevent them from seeking or following through with treatment.

We have made it our goal at The Discovery House to help change that.

PTSD and Trauma Treatment for Women

Another unique concern of women in rehab is the mental health aspect. The prevalence of major depression is higher in women than in men, and depression co-exists alongside addiction more often than most other mental health disorders.

Women are also more than twice as likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder, another common co-occurring disorder. When post-traumatic stress disorder or depression co-exists with addiction, the result is a condition we call a dual diagnosis.

Dual diagnosis treatment can help address both conditions at once so that neither remains and worsens the other. And dual diagnosis treatment with a female approach may be preferred by women who have survived sexual assault, abuse, or another traumatic experience.

While recovery is personal, there is a social aspect to it, too. Trauma-informed care for women may involve relationship counseling, family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, nutritional guidance, yoga, meditation, and art therapy.

Inpatient Treatment Programs for Women

Generally, inpatient treatment programs are considered the most effective. This is because they are the only types of programs that offer 24-hour access to medical care, addiction support, and guidance in the safety and comfort of a dedicated recovery center.

The treatment methods we mentioned earlier, including therapy, counseling, yoga, art, and more, are features of an inpatient stay. During an inpatient stay, we also offer weekly outings, healthy meals, relapse prevention, and life skills training.

How Long Does an Inpatient Treatment Program Last?

An inpatient stay typically lands between a monitored detox and an outpatient rehab program. Spending an adequate amount of time in treatment is crucial to long-term success. But the treatment does not have to occur all in one place to be effective.

In fact, different treatment settings and different levels of care at the different stages of recovery can be largely beneficial. Inpatient programs last anywhere from one month to three months. Long-term rehab is available for those who need or prefer a longer stay.

During an inpatient stay of any length, you’ll not only benefit from 24-hour care and a safe, distraction-free environment but also:

• Structure and support.
• An escape from temptations and triggers.
• Socialization and sober social network building.
• Nutritional guidance and healthy meals.
• Evidence-based and alternative therapies.

As we mentioned before, many people attend an inpatient program after detox and before outpatient rehab. While this path is one of the most common, there are others available, too. And we are here to help you determine which one will be the best for you.

Which Addictions Do You Treat? 

At The Discovery House, we know that no two people and no two addictions are alike. We offer customized treatment programs from start to finish, and they cover a wide range of addictions, including but not limited to:

• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines
• Cocaine
• Codeine
• Crack cocaine
• Ecstasy
• Fentanyl
• Heroin
• Marijuana
• Methamphetamine
• Methadone
• Morphine
• Opiates
• Oxycodone
• Steroids

Whatever you are struggling with, healing starts here.

Choosing The Discovery House

Our dedicated team of compassionate professionals is always ready to help you get back on the road to a happy, healthy, sober life. Whether you need full-time care or part-time support, our doors are open when you’re ready to make a change.

Call us today at 818-452-1676 to get started. Our call line is always open.