Rehab For Women With Addiction: Differences, Healing, Support

Women who are experiencing addiction often face unique challenges that can make it difficult for them to access the help they need. They also require a different approach when it comes to addiction treatment. Some rehabilitation centres specifically tailor their services to meet the needs of women to better provide an environment where they can feel safe and supported in their recovery journey.

This article explores some of the unique factors that are present in women’s experiences with addiction, as well as how rehabilitation facilities can support a woman during her recovery process and what to consider when selecting a treatment centre. In this article we’ll cover:

• What is unique about women’s experience of addiction?
• Things to consider when choosing a treatment facility
• How Arrow Health can support women through rehabilitation
• Does someone you love need help?

What Is Unique About Women’s Experience of Addiction?

Differences between how the genders experience addiction occur on all levels including physically, mentally and culturally.

• Women tend to advance from casual use to addiction more quickly.
  They meet the criteria for substance use disorder after fewer years of drug use than men; this accelerated time course, or telescoping effect, has been observed for multiple drugs. For women at risk for addiction, the escalation with increase in amount and frequency of taking drugs is more rapid.
• 80% of women seeking treatment for addiction have experienced trauma and a lifetime history of sexual and physical assault with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) rates that range from 30-59 percent.
• Women are more likely to develop PTSD, which then increases their chances of developing an addiction
• Research demonstrates that women are more likely to have chronic pain, be prescribed pain relief by doctors, at higher doses, and use them for longer periods of time, which can lead to them abusing these substances
• Women are more likely to self medicate by using drugs and women are also more likely to present at  Emergency or fatally overdose.
• Women tend to stabilise at higher doses of drugs and side effects of drug use are generally greater for women
• Women are more likely to relapse and do so more sporadically.
• Women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression, anxiety and eating disorders mainly because women are more likely to seek help and therefore receive a diagnoses. These are all common co-occurring disorders alongside addiction

Sources: National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine 

At Arrow Health, we keep these differences in mind and recognise that everyone has unique requirements for addiction treatment and effective support and care. We tailor each treatment program to meet the needs of the individual to give them the best chance of successful recovery.

Arrow health has helped me find myself again! And be the person I was before my addiction. I could not be more grateful. I owe them my life as they have saved mine! Thank you to all the staff and facilitators for everything, even though my time in rehab has come to an end, I know they are and will still be there for me when I’m in need!

Daniela (Former Client)

The Mother Load

There’s a lot more stigma associated with women suffering from addiction than men. This can make it more challenging for females to seek rehab for women and receive the treatment they require.

Women who do seek treatment for substance abuse are more likely than not to be mothers. They are also more likely to be the primary caregivers for their children. Generally speaking, mothers find it more challenging to seek and maintain treatment because of the responsibilities they have to their families. This can be one of the biggest barriers to seeking and entering treatment for women with children.

At Arrow Health we offer both inpatient rehab and outpatient treatment services which makes it possible for women seeking treatment for addiction to access support in the way that works best for their individual circumstances.

In some cases, mothers may also be cautious about seeking treatment out of fear of potential legal and social services intervention.

Family Support for Women in Rehab

At Arrow Health we recognise the importance of family in the recovery process and the effects and impacts of addiction on the wider family. Our family support includes:

• Free Family First Step Program
• Family counselling
• Family support groups

Over the past few years, two people in my family were using drugs and their addictions were tearing our family apart. When all seemed lost, we came to Arrow Health for family counselling. Our counsellor’s ability to recognise the effects addiction had placed on both the individuals and the family was unbelievable. Her insight was eye-opening and very comforting. We were guided through rebuilding the family structure that had imploded and were given tools to move forward. We strongly recommend Arrow Health to any family facing the effects of addiction.

Jim (Father of Former Client)

What to Consider When Choosing a Treatment Facility

It is important that the rehabilitation facility you select for yourself or a loved one offers the services and support that will cater to your needs. Consider the following when doing your research:

• Types of addictions the centre offers treatment for
• Rehab support programs and activities offered
• Levels of care available (inpatient, outpatient)
• Access to female counsellors and support during treatment
• Female only accomodation
• LGBTQIA sensitive and trauma informed facility
• Recovery rate for clients in their programs (based on success rates, etc.)
• Appropriate licensing and accreditation
• Access to family support (contact with children and loved ones)
• Family therapy programs offered
• Payment options
• Location of the centre
• Aftercare and relapse support

How Arrow Health Can Support Women Through Addiction Recovery

Located in the Macedon Ranges, Victoria, The Bentinck is our health fund endorsed residential inpatient program.

Sprawling manicured gardens coupled with warm, inviting and homely design and decor creates a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all of our patients.

Developed and overseen by doctors, the program is based on current research and extensive experience.

We provide:

• Access to medical care
• A safe and discrete retreat
• Therapeutic, supportive and drug-free environment
• Private rooms with a double bed and ensuite
• Individual treatment plan focusing on physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing
• Treatment for co-occurring mental health
• 24/7 access to counsellors or support workers
• 30, 60 and 90-day programs
• Free family support program
• Wide range of therapeutic activities (including: art, yoga, hiking, music, off site swimming).

We tailor the care we provide to suit the personal requirements and unique needs of every patient.

Does Someone You Love Need Help?

Having an understanding of the symptoms of addiction and how to recognise addiction in friends and family can be a helpful starting point if you are concerned about a loved one.

We started Arrow Health because we have been in your position and have experienced the immense stress, conflict, worry and despair that comes with addiction.

Alcohol and drug addiction is treatable. Recovery is achievable.

Addiction can be treated and managed. It’s a complex disease and overcoming addiction takes more than good intentions and a strong will.

Contact the team at Arrow Health for a confidential discussion about your own or your loved ones’ circumstances to discover how we can support you.