For many people seeking addiction treatment, they are faced with not only the big decision of how, when, and where they want treatment but must also consider the fine details treatment will affect in their lives.

When women consider treatment, they must face realities men may not need to – including unique emotional challenges, complications in regards to childcare and, for some, the distinct difficulty of leaving a situation of abuse or domestic violence.

What is residential addiction treatment?

If you have taken any time researching addiction treatment options, you have likely seen residential treatment, also known as inpatient rehab, as a commonly offered option. It is a structured and intensive form of rehab designed to help men and women overcome substance use disorders in a safe environment. 

This type of treatment requires patients to reside at a specialized facility for a certain length — usually 30 to 90 days — though more extended stays can be arranged depending on your needs and progress. The critical parts of residential addiction treatment include medical management, therapeutic interventions and a supportive environment, all of which collectively aim to foster recovery and prevent relapse.

There are numerous benefits to a residential treatment program, including: 

• An immersive environment – Residing at the treatment facility allows you to be removed from any triggers and stresses of everyday life, possibly contributing to your struggles with substance use. This separation gives you the space to focus entirely on your recovery without external distractions
• Medical assistance – Around-the-clock medical supervision ensures that any withdrawal symptoms or medical emergencies you experience are quickly managed, which is particularly crucial during the initial detoxification phase
• Consistent routine – It is essential to recovery that you build and maintain a life centered around routine; boredom may lead to temptation, which could trigger a relapse, but the routines of the treatment center can provide you with the structure and discipline you need
• Family therapy sessions – These sessions can help repair the family unit, which may have been damaged during addiction, providing a possibly robust support system to boost you up during this time
• Community with like-minded people—Living with others facing similar challenges fosters community and peer support, which can be highly motivating, provide needed accountability, and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation

As can be seen, there are countless benefits to pursuing addiction treatment in a residential setting. But what about women in particular? What does residential treatment look like for a woman?

What is women’s residential treatment like?

There are many crossovers between treatment programs for men and women, but women may be more inclined to seek out programs that offer the following: 

• Gender-specific programming, where woman feel safe and comfortable sharing their stories either individually or in a group
• Trauma-informed care, where victims of domestic violence or abuse can receive the comprehensive treatment needed to heal fully
• Medical care, which may include prescriptions to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and help balance chemical levels in the brain
• Support for family and children, where some programs help provide childcare so mothers can focus on their recovery
• Holistic therapies like yoga, meditation and nutrition classes to better flesh out addiction treatment 
• Community building, where women can grow together and support one another through these challenging times

Contact the admissions staff at your preferred treatment center to learn what therapies they offer and how their program might benefit you and your family.

What are some challenges for women entering residential treatment?

Women and men have several challenges facing them when they enter residential treatment, but there are some difficulties women may be more likely to face than men.

Relapse as a result of co-occurring disorders

Women are, in fact, more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders (where an addiction causes the emergence of a mental illness like anxiety, depression, etc. or vice versa) than men, and, therefore, may find treatment more mentally grueling as a result of treating both the mental health condition and the substance use disorder. 

This may cause an increased risk of relapse as a result of reemerging mental health symptoms, which are challenging to navigate. 

Children and pregnancy

Many women fear the ability to find affordable and appropriate childcare should they choose to enter residential treatment. Additionally, they may be concerned about CPS becoming involved should authorities find out about her struggles with addiction. Additionally, pregnant women may be intimidated by the thought of going through treatment during pregnancy, causing them to delay seeking treatment until their baby is born. 

But as a mother, it is essential to remember that your children (and you) will benefit from your sobriety; no matter the complications, find someone you can trust to help you work through them and get the help you need. 

Leaving an abusive relationship

About 41% of women have experienced intimate partner violence, whether it be physical, sexual or emotional abuse, and “[s]ubstance use has been found to co-occur in 40 percent to 60 percent of IPV incidents across various studies.” Many times, women seek out substances to cope with the trauma of intimate partner violence (IPV). 

When they are actively involved in a situation of domestic abuse, women may fear for their lives and safety if they choose to leave and seek treatment for themselves. But this should not prevent them from getting the treatment needed – one of the benefits of residential treatment is that it allows you to be safely removed from your current environment to recover in a place of peace and security. 

Are you looking for residential treatment options?

If you are ready to enter residential treatment, Pyramid Healthcare is here to answer questions and get you the needed help. Contact our office anytime by calling 888-694-9996.