The goal of an addiction treatment program is to meet the needs of its clients so that they can maximize their recovery. In many cases, there are overlaps between men and women when it comes to addiction. Still, the differences are significant enough that both women and men can greatly benefit from gender-specific treatment.
Women’s rehab is an excellent option, providing a safe place for women who face many burdensome societal demands and may have experienced abuse and trauma. The Right Step Houston offers a supportive, gender-specific treatment environment where women can begin healing with dignity, understanding, and expert care tailored to their unique experiences.
What to know about women and addiction
Women frequently navigate the challenge of meeting their own high expectations and the demanding standards imposed by society. While managing their work life, contributing to or solely supporting a family, and carrying the majority of the mental load, women who struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD) often deal with a history of or ongoing:
- Loss and grief
- Sexual abuse or assault
- Domestic violence
- Parenting anxieties
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of sexual abuse or assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 at (800) 656-4673.
Women are often more likely than men to misuse substances as a form of self-medication. This means they may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with mental health symptoms, leading to a high prevalence of co-occurring disorders among women.
Understanding addiction treatment for women vs. men
The differences between women’s and men’s gender-specific treatment aren’t about the therapies or services offered. They’ve to do with the group dynamic. They also address the fact that women and men:
- Experience addiction differently
- Have different underlying triggers
- Differ in terms of relapse
- Have different life experiences
Men often need to learn vulnerability. This isn’t necessarily natural for them, but being honest and vulnerable with therapists and peers is crucial for successful rehab. Being among other men also learning some of those skills often makes it easier for them. Conversely, women create close relationships with friends around open sharing, support, and vulnerability, so they don’t need to focus on learning that, but on other goals to help their recovery, like self-confidence.
Due to some of the biological, psychosocial, and behavioral differences between the genders, gender-specific rehab is often the best choice for both women and men.
3 reasons to consider addiction counseling for women
Taking into consideration your experiences as a woman, your biological make-up, and the often unrealistic cultural expectations you face, being in a woman-centric treatment program offers distinct benefits and can improve your recovery outcomes.
For most of history, the default gender for medical research and treatment was male, and what was learned about them was applied to women. In recent decades, that’s been changing. In women’s rehab, you’re going to find practitioners who are up-to-date on research into women’s addiction, best practices for their treatment, and their unique physiology and psychology.
1. Safety
Without feeling completely secure, your healing can’t begin. Given how common it is for women to have experienced trauma in the past, often at the hands of men, feeling safe is necessary for them to share honestly about their past, their addiction, and their complex emotions surrounding both, including guilt, rage, and hopelessness.
2. Relationship-based environment
Women are relationship savvy and tend to forge close bonds based on mutual sharing, nurturing, and support. At the same time, it’s often hard for women to ask for the help and support they need. In a women’s rehab, the culture accommodates how women interact and feel comfortable.
3. Empowerment
Nothing empowers women more than the unconditional love and validation of other women recognizing their innate strength and value. Learning to love yourself happens when you feel strong and confident.
Connect with The Right Step Houston and start addiction treatment for women today
At The Right Step Houston, you’ll find excellent support and counseling for women provided by a staff that understands and validates you and your experiences. There’s no reason to struggle alone or without the nurturing care you deserve.
In our women’s gender-specific addiction treatment program, we offer evidence-based therapies on either an outpatient or inpatient basis. Don’t wait to get started on your healing. Call 1.844.768.0169 today or submit our online form. We look forward to connecting with you.