Category: Clientele

Posted on

Men’s Mental Health Quotes: 25 Inspiring Messages to Live By

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to uplift and validate the emotional lives of men. These 25 mental health quotes spotlight the power of vulnerability, healing, and self-love while also highlighting important mental health challenges that many men face.

As a therapist who works primarily with men, I’ve learned this: most guys aren’t taught how to name what they feel, so instead they manage it quietly. Their mental well-being suffers from it. These quotes aren’t just feel-good messages. They’re reminders from real men with real stories that your mental health matters and it being honest about it doesn’t make you soft— it makes you strong.

Mental health quote image featuring Ernest Hemingway's words: “We are all broken. That’s how the light gets in.” The background shows a blue-toned silhouette of a man with illuminated veins and a glowing heart, symbolizing emotional healing and vulnerability. Light beams radiate from the heart outward. Image from Recovery.com, designed for Men’s Mental Health Awareness.

25 Quotes to Inspire and Live By

These quotes are reminders that mental health struggles don’t define you and recovery is possible.

Here’s a revised list of 25 inspirational quotes for Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month1—featuring only quotes by men.

These voices range from artists and athletes to philosophers and advocates, offering encouragement for mental well-being, vulnerability, and resilience.

Illustration featuring three mental health quotes for men on the theme of being understood. The first quote by Michael Phelps addresses stigma, saying, “I believe the biggest stigma right now with mental health is that a lot of men are afraid to talk about it.” The second quote by Frederick Buechner states, “The heart of man’s pain is the pain of not being seen.” The third quote by Wayne Dyer reads, “Self-worth comes from one thing—thinking that you are worthy.” A blue-toned illustration of a man holding his hands to his chest under a spotlight appears on the right.

25 Quotes to Inspire and Live By (By Men, For Men)

  1. “There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” – John Green
  2. “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” – Robin Williams
  3. “Being vulnerable is not a weakness—it’s a strength.” – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
  4. “Don’t give in to stigma. A diagnosis does not determine who you are or what you can do.” – Pete Wentz
  5. “The heart of man’s pain is the pain of not being seen.” – Frederick Buechner
  6. “Mental health is just as important as physical health. You have to nurture your inner world the same way.” – Lewis Hamilton
  7. “I believe the biggest stigma right now with mental health is that a lot of men are afraid to talk about it.” – Michael Phelps
  8. “You don’t control the situation, but you control what you think about it and how you respond.” – Ryan Holiday
  9. “We are all broken. That’s how the light gets in.” – Ernest Hemingway
  10. “It’s okay not to be okay.” – Prince Harry
  11. “Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.” – Sigmund Freud
  12. “The times in my life when I’ve been happiest are when I’ve let myself be the most vulnerable.” – Chris Evans
  13. “It is not death that a man should fear, but never beginning to live.” – Marcus Aurelius
  14. “My dark days made me stronger. Or maybe I already was strong, and they made me prove it.” – Emery Lord
  15. “I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.” – Vincent van Gogh
  16. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
  17. “You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” – William Faulkner
  18. “Life is not easy. Life is not fair. But life is beautiful if you choose to see it that way.” – Steve Gleason
  19. “Self-worth comes from one thing—thinking that you are worthy.” – Wayne Dyer
  20. “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius
  21. “Everyone is going through something that we can’t see.” – Kevin Love
  22. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor Frankl
  23. “He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.” – Confucius
  24. “There is no education like adversity.” – Benjamin Disraeli
  25. “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” – Albert Einstein
Mental health quote for men featuring the words of Sigmund Freud: “Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.” The illustration shows a kneeling man crying with his face in his hands, while a second version of himself stands behind him flexing his muscles, symbolizing inner strength emerging from emotional struggle. Blue tones emphasize resilience and healing.

Men’s Mental Health Treatment

Men often experience unique mental health struggles2 that can make asking for help feel overwhelming. But with the right support, healing is possible.

Men are often taught to manage quietly, power through, or downplay their struggles altogether. I see it all the time in the therapy office. Clients who’ve spent years in high-functioning survival mode without realizing how lonely or exhausted they’ve become. The truth is, asking for help is often the most courageous step in a man’s healing journey.3

Men-Only Rehab

Men-only treatment centers offer a safe space to explore personal trauma, mental health challenges, and substance use in a nonjudgmental setting. They provide a gender-responsive approach to care, helping men reconnect with their emotional well-being without societal pressure to appear “tough” and surrounded by other men who truly get it.

Burnout and Stress

Burnout can look like overcommitment, irritability, numbness, or quietly feeling like you’re failing at everything. Plenty of men say things like, “I’m just tired,” but what they may mean is, “I feel like I’m not allowed to stop.” Chronic stress can impact both mental and physical health, leading to anxiety, depression, or even substance misuse. Men’s programs address these mental health conditions with evidence-based therapies focused on stress management and emotional regulation.

Loneliness

Men are lonely. I share this in a recent article in my weekly newsletter, More to the Story:4

There is a crucial difference between being alone and being lonely. Loneliness is an emotion that, like all others, tries to communicate something to us. It is neither inherently good nor bad; instead, it indicates that we lack connection and intimacy—two fundamental human needs. When someone asks, “How are you doing?” and you respond with, “Oh, I’m good!” but the truth is that you are not good at that moment, you will inevitably feel lonely. This discomfort arises from a lack of genuine connection and intimacy. 

Loneliness isn’t a flaw or failure—it’s a signal. For many men, it can feel shameful or weak to admit feeling isolated, but the truth is that loneliness may be pointing you toward the connection and support your mind and body deeply need. If that’s hard to believe—if your lived experience tells you that connection isn’t safe or possible—you’re not alone in that, either. That pain is real, and it deserves compassion.

Dual Diagnosis

Many men experience co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Dual diagnosis treatment tackles both issues at the same time, recognizing how depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder may be driving unhealthy behaviors.

Eating Disorders

Although often overlooked, eating disorders like binge eating and body dysmorphia affect men, too. These conditions can be tied to trauma, shame, and perfectionism. When we trace it back, and unhealthy relationship with food can often be rooted in unprocessed grief, body-based trauma, or a desperate attempt to feel in control. Specialized care is critical to promoting long-term wellness and better mental health.

Explore Men’s Treatment Centers

Not all treatment centers are created equal. When searching for support, it’s important to look for men’s programs that are trauma-informed, personalized, and led by licensed mental health professionals. From support groups to inpatient rehab, men have options for addressing their mental health needs.

FAQs

Q: What are some inspiring quotes to support men’s mental health?


A: Inspiring quotes like “It’s not weak to speak” or “Real strength is asking for help” remind men that vulnerability is a part of courage, not a contradiction to it. These messages help normalize emotional expression and support seeking help.

Q: Can quotes about mental health help men open up about their struggles?


A: Yes, quotes can be powerful conversation starters. They provide language for feelings that may be hard to express and let men know they’re not alone in their experiences.

Q: What to say to a man struggling with mental health?


A: Offer validation and support: “You don’t have to go through this alone—I’m here for you,” or “It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to ask for help.”

Q: Why is men’s mental health overlooked?


A: Cultural expectations and stigma around masculinity often discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking help, leading to underdiagnosed and untreated mental health issues.

Q: Are men less prone to mental illnesses than women?


A: No. While women are more likely to be diagnosed with certain conditions like depression or anxiety, men often experience mental health issues differently—and may be less likely to seek help, which can increase the risk of substance use or suicide.

Posted on

Celebrity Recovery Stories

Celebrity recovery has long found itself in an unsavory spotlight. Magazines, paparazzi, and the general public place intense focus on the plight of suffering celebrities, often with an air of mockery. 

Celebrities coming forward with their addiction and recovery have started changing the lens of celebrity recovery stories. This is a far cry from old reports of a new celebrity in rehab suggesting culpability, shame, and judgment. 

Instead of making life unwaveringly easy, celebrity addiction stories suggest fame and fortune were not the cures to pain the general public may first assume. Despite the public scrutiny, many celebrities have recovered and inspired thousands on the way.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was one of the first celebrities who acknowledged their addiction and advocated for recovery. She became addicted to prescription painkillers after a spinal surgery. She also struggled with alcohol addiction. 

Elizabeth Taylor decided to publicly announce her admittance to Betty Ford Center in 1983, Betty Ford’s first treatment center. By doing so, Elizabeth helped normalize the need for addiction treatment when such news was scarcely discussed, even in private.  

Though her famous career and life have since come to an end, Elizabeth showed many what living in recovery looks like—and that it’s achievable, even as a celebrity. A quote from ElizabethTaylor.com1 reads,

“Her willingness to remain open and honest, while under intense scrutiny, brought millions of people out of the darkness of shame and into the brilliance of healing.”

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis nursed a secret addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs. She was prescribed Vicodin after a minor plastic surgery2, which she then took for years.

A friend finally caught her taking the pills and encouraged getting help. Jamie also stole Vicodin from her sister, who supported her in getting into treatment. 

Jamie has been sober since 1999; she revealed this to the public two years after gaining sobriety. She’s attended recovery meetings since her sobriety, sometimes hosting them herself in her set trailer. 

She was at first nervous she’d lose sponsorships and acting roles, but that was far from the case. Even in the earlier days of outspoken addiction recovery, her story was still widely well-received. 

Her public journey and commitment to the sober community have made her an encouragement to celebrities and non-celebrities in recovery.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper used alcohol, drugs, and “mean humor”3 to fit into the environment of Los Angeles actors. Despite his efforts, he realized he hadn’t made progress in becoming more popular—and was even doing the opposite.

In 2004, Bradley’s friend, Will Arnett, held an intervention to help him see the scope of his addiction and the harm it caused (forgetting to let his dog out all day after being on cocaine, for example). Cooper focused on his sobriety from that moment on and has been sober for almost 20 years.

Treatment also helped him grow his self-esteem and become confident without using substances to fit in. Now, he’s known to be generous, charming, and kind.  

Robert Downey Jr 

Robert Downey Jr’s experience with drugs began at age 64, when his father offered him marijuana. They used various substances together throughout his childhood. Downey Jr, like many others, was soon caught in the cycle of using to self-soothe and hide from the negative effects his addiction had on his life.

Robert Downey Jr has been arrested multiple times for drug use5 and spent a year in prison. After his third arrest, he checked himself into rehab and has stayed sober. A recent documentary featuring his late father details his recovery and history with addiction.

After becoming sober, Robert Downey Jr went on to have a wildly successful career. He speaks about his addiction and recovery to highlight the sobriety journey and offer his real-life success story.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe, best known for his role as Harry Potter, used alcohol to cope with the scrutiny and pressure6 of such a monumental role. He’s said his way of dealing with it was “just to drink more or get more drunk, so I did a lot of that for a few years.”

He would drink to forget he was being watched, then drink more to forget they were watching the “boy wizard” get drunk. As the movies drew to a close, Daniel continued to use alcohol to distance himself from the end and from figuring out who he was outside the role. 

With support from friends, he started his sobriety in 2010. He’s been sober since and enjoying new roles outside the wizarding world. 

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan has a successful acting career freckled with jail time, arrests, and rehab. She described alcohol as a gateway drug for her, and she dabbled in cocaine to fit in with the party scene. 

She received her first DUI at age 207 and was in court for various drug/alcohol-related convictions 20 times from 2007-2012. A judge ordered her to go to court-ordered drug rehab in 2012. She credits that as what turned her life around. 

After regaining sobriety, Lindsay Lohan moved to the United Arab Emirates for a quieter, more anonymous life. She’s since gotten back into acting and helping others along their sobriety journeys.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore’s struggles with drugs and alcohol began as young as 9 years old. She attended rehab twice by age 128 and was hospitalized for 18 months following a suicide attempt and continued substance use. Her public struggles with addiction and mental health at first made it difficult to find roles. 

After her hospital stay, Drew emancipated from her parents. She eventually found success in acting again and married. She then divorced and married again later, having two children before a second divorce.

Her second divorce in 2016 drove her to alcohol use9. She says, “It was just trying to numb the pain and feel good—and alcohol totally did that for me.” An unnamed rehab facility and her daughters helped her recover.

Now, Drew Barrymore inspires other celebrities to talk about mental health and addiction on her talk show The Drew Barrymore Show and beyond.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck rose to fame in the early 90s. He went to rehab for alcoholism10 and a reset in 2001, then again in 2017 and 2018. 

A divorce in 2016 exacerbated his drinking. He went to rehab again, regained sobriety, and has since had relapses—some of which were famously documented. But he didn’t let that derail his recovery. 

Ben has become strong in his 12-Step program and, more generally, as a celebrity in recovery. He’s been quoted to say11, 

“It doesn’t really bother me to talk about alcoholism and being an alcoholic. It’s part of my life. It’s something that I deal with. It doesn’t have to sort of subsume my whole identity and be everything, but it is something that, you know, you have to work at.”

Demi Lovato

Demi’s first experience with drugs came when she was 13 and prescribed opioids after a car accident. Bullying and an early rise to fame led her to start cocaine in 2009, at age 17.

A sexual assault, and the coping skills she used after, eventually led her to treatment for self-harm and an eating disorder in 2010. There, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder12. Demi checked into a sober home shortly after, in 2013.

Demi stayed sober for 6 years after years of heavy drinking and drug use (mainly cocaine). She highlighted her eating disorder recovery in 2017. But in July of 2018, she suffered a near-fatal heroin overdose13. After a 2-week hospital stay, Demi was released. 

She later relapsed on heroin, which served as another wake-up call. Demi got back into treatment and adopted a California sober approach to recovery, which meant she still used weed and alcohol in moderation. In the last couple years, she’s changed her approach to sober-sober14, or not drinking and using drugs in any amount.  

Now, Demi continues to take her journey day-by-day with an attitude of humility and hope.

John Mulaney

As one might expect, comedian John Mulaney describes his addiction with a unique level of hilarity. He first went to rehab in December 202015 after initially getting sober in his early twenties.

He became addicted to cocaine and prescription pain pills, which he kept on hand through shady (or clever) routes. One included buying and pawning a watch to purchase drugs with the cash. In other schemes, he went to low-rated doctors who he knew wouldn’t turn down the prescription requests of any new patient. 

At first, he feared the public’s response to his addiction and how it went against his public-facing demeanor. However, many received the news with little to no judgment, instead feeling glad he sought help. This highlights the upward swing in the public’s perception of addiction. 

He credits his friends and their intervention as what got him to get help. Reflecting on his 3-year sobriety, he says, “​​I used to care what everyone thought about me so much…And I don’t anymore. Because I can honestly say, ‘What is someone gonna do to me that’s worse than what I would do to myself?'”

Start Your Recovery Journey

Time has shown the deep humanity of celebrities, despite what the media might have us believe. Their stardom doesn’t save them from suffering; but it can make them excellent advocates for recovery. Money and fame didn’t make them recover. Their own personal choices and efforts did. 

Whether or not you’re a famous actor, comedian, or other celebrity, you have resources for your recovery. Celebrity addiction stories highlight that truth. A residential rehab could provide the safe, structured environment you need to begin, and maintain, your recovery.
You can browse our list of rehabs to see photos, reviews, insurance information, and more all in one place.

Posted on

The Signs of Drug Use in Teens

Drug use in teens is an increasing problem in the U.S. It’s important to recognize the signs of drug use in order to intervene and help teens struggling with addiction. Common signs of drug use in teens include changes in behavior, including mood swings, attitudes, and school performance. Additionally, physical signs can include red eyes, changes in sleep patterns, and changes in physical appearance. Finally, teens with drug addiction may show signs of financial or legal trouble, including stealing money or getting into trouble with the law.

If your child is using drugs, this recovery journey you’re about to embark on can not only help your teen, but it can also make your whole family grow closer. Getting teen treatment can set your child on the path to success. 

Signs, Symptoms, and Behaviors of Drug Use in Teens

If you know what to look for, you can discover if your teen is using drugs or drinking alcohol. Be on the lookout for these signs:

Changes in mood:

  • Irritable
  • Withdrawn
  • Unable to focus
  • Depressed or hyperactive

Changes in appearance:

  • Unkempt appearance
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Flushed cheeks

Changes in behavior:

  • Sneaking out
  • Secretive about their phone or their whereabouts
  • Missing school or work
  • Hanging out with a new crowd of friends

How to Spot Drug Use in Teens

If you have a hunch your kid is using drugs, but you want to be sure, there are some things you can do to get a better idea of the situation:

  • Have eye contact conversations, and see if their eyes are bloodshot.
  • Smell for smoke.
  • Pay attention to their emotional state, this may be out of the norm.
  • Go through their belongings: This can be a sensitive topic. Giving your children the privacy they deserve is important, but if you are concerned about your teen’s safety and well being due to possible drug use, you may want to consider this option.

Teen Drug Use Statistics

 According to the National Institute on Drug Use, since the start of COVID-19, reported drug use has decreased1. This is likely due to school closure and social distancing (i.e. less peer pressure). Luckily, the downward trend has continued through the last couple of years; however, substance use still poses a threat.

The Most Commonly Used Drugs Amongst Teens

The most commonly used drugs reported in 2022 were nicotine/vaping, cannabis/marijuana, and alcohol. (Keep in mind that these are only the reported statistics. More teens likely use these substances and just don’t report it.)

  • 20.5% of 10th graders vaped
  • 19.5% of 10th graders ingested cannabis
  • 15.2% – 31.3% of 10th graders drank alcohol

While this downward trend provides some hope, research findings show dramatic and rising death rates in youth between the ages of 14-18. 

Also, it’s important to know that fentanyl, amongst other dangerous players, has contaminated the U.S. and worldwide drug supply2. This substance is extremely potent, meaning even the tiniest drop can make the user overdose. Fentanyl could be found in drugs like cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and heroin because it’s cheaper to cut these drugs with fentanyl than sell the pure substance.

Educating yourself on these dangers, and knowing how to help your child, is crucial for prevention, awareness, and recovery if/when needed.

Reasons Why Teens Use Drugs

Each teen has their reasons for using drugs. Here are some common factors that can push them to experiment.

  1. Peer Pressure: Being a teenager is hard, and they just want to fit in with their peers. If their best friend, or someone they admire, offers them drugs or alcohol, they’ll likely take it to feel accepted. 
  2. Media: TV shows, movies, and especially social media nowadays can show drug use as glamorous, normal, or fun. This can appeal to impressionable teens.
  3. Self-Medication: Mental health issues start to pop up around adolescence, and some teens may see the escape of drugs as a way to avoid these complex feelings.
  4. Experimentation: Teens are curious and ready to try new things, especially as they start to gain some freedom.
  5. To Feel Grown Up: Wanting to be a grownup and assert their independence can lead them to drinking or doing drugs.

Find Help for Teen Drug Use

So you’ve had the conversation with your teen about their drug or alcohol use. Now is the time to start gathering resources on how to help them.

  1. Gather Information: Begin by browsing programs for teens. Think through what you want to get out of this experience—for your child and your family. You may want to look for gender-specific care. These programs address hardships that boys and girls uniquely experience by giving them tools to face uncomfortable emotions and experiences. Gender-specific care also helps them focus on treatment without distractions. 
  1. Engage in Family Therapy: Family therapy will likely be an important part of the recovery process, for your teen and your whole family. Addiction education for loved ones is usually offered with this, as well. This gives clarity on your teen’s journey with substances and recovery. So when your child comes home after treatment, everyone will have the skills they need to maintain a healthy recovery environment.
  1. Be Supportive: Most importantly, be a rock for your child. They’re likely going through a confusing time, so having your support will make this process easier and improve their chances of success.
  1. Make Sure You Have Support: Give yourself grace through this journey. Helping your child through addiction recovery can be emotionally draining. You will have support from medical professionals, but other family members or friends can also provide support in this process. 

4A. Remember to prioritize your own self-care. Engage in activities that bring you joy and practice stress-reducing techniques.
As your kids grow older and start making their own decisions, you can act as a compassionate guide and lead by example. What you do from here on out is what matters most. A bright future awaits for your child with the right teen treatment.

find help for teen drug use
Posted on

6 Sobriety Support Groups for Women: Community and Connection in Recovery

Your recovery is your responsibility—but it doesn’t have to be yours alone. Support groups offer a sober community to support and celebrate you throughout recovery. It’s important to find a support group where you feel heard, so you can feel safe to share your story. And sometimes, women find it hard to achieve that in mixed-gender settings.

Women’s support groups invite members to connect with other women in recovery who share similar life experiences. These spaces can offer you a stable community during or after a women-only rehab program. 

The Role of Support Groups for Women in Recovery

Many women with alcohol addiction start drinking because of issues in their social lives,1 like the isolation many new moms feel after becoming a mother. And compared to men, addiction is more likely to negatively affect women’s social lives. When women decide to enter treatment, they typically have less social support to do so. As a result, many women begin their recovery journey without the help of a strong community. 

However, studies show that women with more social support2 tend to stay in treatment and sober for longer. And it’s not just about receiving support from others. Women in recovery also benefit from giving support. 

Not every relationship aids in recovery.3 In fact, your previous support network might even get in the way of your progress. Old friends might still drink heavily and refuse to change their behavior to support you. Or they may even pressure you to drink with them like you did before. These types of relationships make it very difficult to stay on track. 

Studies show that the more supported you feel by your social circle, the more motivated you’ll be4 to stay in recovery. This is especially true for people who have recovery-specific support networks. When your friends are also in the process of healing, you’re more likely to stay sober. In many women-oriented treatment programs, you can connect with other women in recovery. 

What Are Support Groups?

Peer support groups invite people in recovery to share mutual support5 without professional guidance. Instead, you’ll connect with peers who share your recovery goals.

These groups aren’t a replacement for addiction treatments like talk therapy. But they can be an important aspect of recovery nonetheless. Data shows that peer support groups motivate people to stay in recovery.6 They also decrease cravings and the risk of relapse.

Alcoholism Support Groups for Women

Many support groups are open to everyone, but some women may not be comfortable with mixed-gender groups.7 For example, women in addiction treatment may have a history of trauma at the hands of men. If that’s true for you, you might find it hard to be vulnerable with men in the room. Men also tend to be more dominant in mixed-gender interactions, speaking more than people of other genders. That pattern can prevent women from getting the support they need.

You might also just find it easier to relate to other women in recovery. People of the same gender face similar challenges, in recovery and other aspects of their lives. If you’d like to join a women-only support group, you can choose from several different options.

1. Women for Sobriety

Women for Sobriety (WFS) is a peer support group for women in recovery. Their New Life program revolves around 13 Acceptance Statements that urge members to recognize their own self-worth. Many of these are written as affirmations:

“I am responsible for myself and for my actions.I am in charge of my mind, my thoughts, and my life.”

This secular non-profit welcomes women from all religious backgrounds. Members talk about their lives and encourage each other to stay sober. They strive to let go of guilt and shame about the past, and focus on building a better future instead.

WFS hosts virtual and in-person meetings around the country. They also offer phone support. If you call in, you’ll speak to a member who’s been sober for at least a year.

2. SMART Recovery for Women

SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) Recovery takes a scientific approach to healing. Their free women’s support groups focus on 4 points of behavioral change:8

  1. “Building and maintaining the motivation to change.
  2. Coping with urges to use.
  3. Managing thought, feelings, and behaviors in an effective way without addictive behaviors.
  4. Living a balanced, positive, and healthy life.”

Participants learn how to manage their emotions using techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). While most meetings are mixed gender, they also offer some women-only meetings. Dr. Natalie Unmesi, a SMART Recovery facilitator, explained why she started the first women-only meetings in New York City:9

“My hope is to create a safe space to address the unique biological and societal challenges that women face in accessing addiction treatment and in recovery from substance use disorders and other maladaptive behaviors. I love the space that we have created in our weekly meeting. We celebrate our collective successes, we support each other through challenging times in a nonjudgmental setting, and above all, we use the CBT-based SMART tools so that we may continue to take agency in our lives.”

3. She Recovers

She Recovers welcomes women and non-binary people recovering from a range of challenges:

Unlike many other groups, She Recovers doesn’t hold to a strict philosophy of healing. Instead they recognize that while everyone’s healing journey is unique, social support is key for many women in recovery.

Sherri Beatty, a member and volunteer, says, “She Recovers put me on the road to recovery by introducing to me the most important part of recovery, connection!10 The friends and coaches I’ve found in this group are instrumental in my life.” You can attend in-person or online meetings, as well as trauma-informed yoga and dance classes. 

4. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Women’s Meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most well-known recovery support groups. In AA, you follow a 12-Step program as you work through the program. The 12 Steps guide you to accept your lack of control over alcohol and put faith in a higher power.

While AA is a spiritual fellowship,11 it’s open to people of all religious backgrounds. Studies show that this spiritual focus is beneficial to many people’s success in recovery. But if spirituality doesn’t resonate with you, these meetings might not be a good fit. While general AA meetings are open to all genders, it’s easy to find women-only meetings in person and online. 

5. The Phoenix

The Phoenix supports recovery through fitness classes and outings. Members believe in the physical and emotional power of self-transformation. They offer over 20 different types of fitness classes, from skiing to yoga. Classes are free to anyone who has been sober for at least 48 hours. The Phoenix has chapters in 44 states, and you can live stream classes on demand.

Dina, a member of The Phoenix, describes how the dual focus on social support and physical fitness12 helps her recovery. “It’s not just the physicality of it…we’re not friends, we’re family, and you’re not made to feel welcome because that’s their job…we want to help you save your life.” 

Most meetings are open to all genders. However, you can contact your local chapter to ask about their women-only classes. For example, they occasionally partner with organizations like She Recovers. The Phoenix also has very strict community standards against sexism,13 racism, homophobia, and aggressive behavior or language in classes. 

6. In The Rooms

In The Rooms is a virtual venue for additional connection between in-person meetings about recovery. It’s especially helpful for people who are traveling, live far from in-person support groups or have social anxiety. Their meetings offer social support when you need it most. As co-founder Ron Tennebaum explains, “You need a support system.14 You need someone to call on days when you wake up and you really want to pick up a drink or a drug.”

This organization offers 150+ live virtual sessions a week, including 12-Step and non-12-Step meetings. You can find meetings for people recovering drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex and love addiction, codependent relationships and more. They host meetings for other women-only groups like She Recovers and AA for Women in Recovery. 

How to Find and Join Support Groups

Every support group has a slightly different ethos. It’s important to find one that can help you meet your recovery goals. To do that, you can ask your care team for recommendations. They’ll likely have context about your specific addiction, so they’ll be able to help you choose the right group. If you know other people in recovery in your area, you can also ask them about any groups they’re part of. 

You can also search online databases for local meetings. Many support group websites have a page for in person and online meetings based on your location. Some people find that it’s easier to attend virtual meetings at first, for a few reasons. First, they eliminate any travel time or logistics. Second, some online meetings let you join without turning on your video or microphone. Observing a meeting can give you a sense of what to expect, without the pressure of joining in right away.

For more information on gender-specific treatment, see this resource for healing from substance use disorders.

Support Groups Give Community to Women in Recovery

Support groups are a valuable supplement to many women’s recovery. But they can’t replace formal treatment. During or after rehab, you can build a stronger community by connecting with your peers.

This approach can be central to every part of your recovery process. Search women-only rehab programs to find one that meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Women’s Sobriety Support Groups

Why is it important for women in recovery to have social support?

Women in recovery tend to have less social support compared to men. Studies show that women with more social support tend to stay in treatment, and stay sober, longer. Women who have recovery-specific support networks are more motivated to stay sober.

Why might some women feel more comfortable in women-only sobriety support groups?

Some women may feel uncomfortable in mixed-gender support groups due to a history of gender-related trauma. Women might also find it easier to relate to other women in recovery who face similar challenges. Men tend to dominate mixed-gender interactions, speaking more than people of other genders, which can prevent women from getting the support they need.

What are some examples of women-only sobriety support groups?

Women-only sobriety support groups include, but aren’t limited to, Women for Sobriety, SMART Recovery for Women, She Recovers, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) women’s meetings, Sober Mom Squad, The Phoenix, and In The Rooms.

Posted on

Sober Women of History

Sober women have contributed to the recovery movement in America since it first began. Their early contributions helped make the recovery space more accessible and acceptable for women. 

Women also advocated for gender-specific treatment, support groups, and 12-Step meetings. Their work is still felt around the world today. Some rehabs cater to just women, too. 

Women in Recovery Who Made a Difference

Each and every woman in recovery makes a difference. Women who challenged the stigma of addiction and recovery early on paved the way for continued advocacy, fresh recovery programs, and support. 

Betty Ford (1918-2011)

Former First Lady Betty Ford left a large mark on the addiction treatment scene and the stigma surrounding it. After a battle with opioid and alcohol addictions, an intervention, and treatment, Betty realized she was in a unique position to make a difference. 

First Lady Betty Ford helped create her own treatment center, the Betty Ford Center, designed to help both men and women find recovery. Betty Ford Centers have since expanded across America. 

The Betty Ford organization merged with the Hazelden Foundation in 2014. Hazelden pioneered the Minnesota-model of treatment1, which focuses on 12-Step treatment. Their merge broadened the impact of Betty’s first decision to make her addiction known and use her notoriety to help others.

Jean Kirkpatrick, Ph.D (1923-2000)

Jean Kirkpatrick, sociologist, formed Women for Sobriety in 1975. She attended 12-Step AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings throughout her recovery process. After finding a need for women-focused treatment, she created a solution herself: Women for Sobriety2. 

Women for Sobriety groups meet across America now. Dr. Kirkpatrick’s history of repeated relapses, research, and life-long determination brought a gift to the world many women continue to enjoy. 

Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011)

American actress Elizabeth Taylor lived a lavish, seemingly ideal life. But after a spinal surgery and other health conditions, she became addicted to prescription pain pills3. She also struggled with alcohol addiction. 

Elizabeth Taylor made the decision to publicly announce her admittance to Betty Ford Center, Betty Ford’s first treatment center. By doing so, Elizabeth gave permission for other celebrities to do the same. She also normalized treatment for women—even pretty, successful ones like her.

As a Hollywood Icon, Elizabeth Taylor embodied who many women wished they could be. So seeing her go to rehab, openly admit it, and then go again after a relapse may have been more impactful than she’ll ever realize.  

Nora Volkow (1956-Present)

Nora Volkow, current director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), changed the way we see addiction. Her work in brain imagery showed that addiction isn’t a character flaw or personal failing. Rather, it’s a tangible change in the brain. 

Her work contributed heavily to the disease model of addiction4. This revolutionized the old idea of addiction being something to punish. Now, for many, it’s something to treat.

Women in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provides a resource for Americans struggling with alcohol addiction. While it didn’t specifically exclude women, they weren’t welcomed in the same way men were. Usually, women were seen as the supportive spouse, attending just for their husbands’ sake. Or, women were villainized for their addiction. 

Some of the very first women in AA decided to change that.  

Florence R. (?-1943)

Florence was one of the very first members of AA5. She joined one of the pioneering groups in New York, wrote the first section written by a woman in the Big Book, and tried to start an AA group in Washington. 

Though she didn’t succeed, and eventually returned to drinking, Florence made AA meetings somewhere women could go, too. Those early members became family to her—something that still happens to this day.

In Florence’s case, just showing up to meetings made her an early AA icon. Despite her sobriety not lasting, she still made AA meetings a more accepting, open place for women.

Marty Mann (1904-1980)

Marty supported the disease model of addiction, a brave move at a time when it wasn’t yet proven. She was one of the first women to bring awareness to addiction6 as something to heal, not punish. Marty fought against the stigma women in particular received: that they were promiscuous, uncontrollable, and without value. Instead, she advocated for recovery through acceptance.

Marty Mann also founded the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. She encouraged other women to get help, and those in the LGBTQ+ community. As a gay woman, Marty Mann bridged gaps between 2 underserved communities and the help they deserved. 

Dr. Ruth Fox (1896-1989)

Dr. Fox became the first medical director of The National Council on Alcoholism in 1959. She was one of the first psychoanalysts to take alcoholic patients. And she pioneered the use of Antabuse7 to treat alcohol addiction, which we still use today.

Dr. Ruth Fox also founded the American Medical Society on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies. 

Dr. LeClair Bissell (1928-2008)

Dr. Bissell co-founded the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)8. Like Marty Mann, she helped change the way the public saw addiction, women in recovery, and gay women. LeClair also advocated heavily for alcoholism treatment in professionals, specifically medical professionals. 

All these women changed the way women and the world see recovery. They made healing seem like a safe option for women who were scared, embarrassed, and without hope–but wanted out.

Those options for recovery still exist today, for men and women. And we have a lot of people to thank for that.

Find a Recovery Program Today

Much has changed from the early days of AA and recovery as a whole. While the stigma surrounding addiction hasn’t yet disappeared, these early women in recovery diminished it bit by bit. 
Thanks to them and many others around the world, ethical, women-focused recovery programs exist globally. You can browse our list of women-only rehabs and see photos, reviews, insurance information, and more.

Posted on

Women for Sobriety: Healing with Your Sisters

Women face a different set of challenges than men during addiction recovery. Surrounding yourself with like-minded women can help you feel more supported and open during your recovery journey. 

Women for Sobriety (WFS) does just that. They are a women’s only peer-support program designed for overcoming substance use disorders. Like WFS, attending a women’s only rehab can meet you where you’re at and guide you on the path to sobriety. 

What Is Women for Sobriety? 

In the past 25 years, research has shown that there are significant gender differences in alcohol and drug recovery1. Because of this, treatment and professionals need to adapt to uniquely serving both men and women.

This is where Women for Sobriety (WFS)2 comes in. Founder Jean Kirkpatrick, a sociologist, had been an alcoholic for many years. She tried Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) but felt that something was missing. That’s when she found out that the success rates of recovery were higher for men than women. After her own journey of achieving, and maintaining, sobriety, she kick started WFS in 1975.

Is Women for Sobriety Affiliated with a Religion?

WFS runs on the core belief that “[women] have the power of changing [their] way of thinking. [They] live in the atmosphere created by [their] mind and [their] thoughts.” The organization helps you realize that you have the power to change, and that choosing positivity will create a positive reality. WFS does not have any religious affiliations; however, it can be used alongside other religious recovery support groups for women. 

Their New Life program3 promotes lasting change through:

  • Positive reinforcement (approval and encouragement)
  • Cognitive strategies (positive thinking)
  • Letting the body help (relaxation techniques, meditation, nutrition, and physical exercise)
  • Dynamic group involvement

WFS Affirmations

WFS has 13 empowering statements that their members follow, similar to AA’s 12 Steps. These affirmations help guide your daily life in a positive, motivated direction. WFS breaks down these 13 statements into their 6 Levels of Recovery. As you move through each level and continue on your journey with WFS, you’ll focus on growing in all different areas of your life. 

Level 1: Acceptance of having a substance use disorder, one that requires the cessation of substance use. (Acceptance statement 1) You’ll learn to come to terms with your addiction, and realize that sobriety is necessary. You’ll learn more about substance use disorders and how to care for your mind and body.

Level 2: Discarding negative thoughts, putting guilt behind, and practicing new ways of viewing and solving problems. (Acceptance statements 2, 4, and 9) You’ll examine what factors in your life are problem areas. You’ll pick out negative habits and thought patterns and actively work on shifting those to healthy ones. You’ll recognize that you don’t need to let your problems overwhelm you and see them as growing opportunities. 

By this stage, you’ll have 1.) a regular exercise routine and 2.) way of relaxation and meditation.

Level 3: Creating and practicing a new self-image. (Acceptance statements 5 and 12) This is the phase where you tap into your power. You’ll take responsibility for your feelings and behaviors, and you’ll let go of people, situations, and things outside of your control. 

You’ll be picky about what energy you allow into your life, so that you can create a positive environment. You’ll learn that one mistake does not ruin all the hard work you’ve done. You’ll create the self-image of a powerful, confident woman who owns her life.

Level 4: Using new attitudes to enforce new behavior patterns. (Acceptance statements 3, 6, and 11) During this level, you’ll learn to choose happiness every single day. You’ll adopt a positive attitude that you can share with your loved ones. And every day, you’ll seek out magic in the ordinary. 

Level 5: Improving relationships as a result of our new feelings about self. (Acceptance Statements 7 and 10) You’ll learn to be vulnerable with others and the world around you. You’ll work on developing meaningful, reciprocal relationships. This step comes later in the healing process because first, you must mend the relationship you have with yourself. 

Level 6: Recognizing life’s priorities: emotional and spiritual growth, self-responsibility. (Acceptance statements 8 and 13) You’ll continue to work on the lifelong relationship that you have with yourself through emotional and spiritual growth. You’ll take ownership of your actions and choose a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Women for Sobriety Meetings

To make the WFS program effective for you, you must practice it consciously each day. This can be easy with the help of other supportive sisters. There are different meetings that you can choose from to fit your schedule and needs. WFS embraces all expressions of female identity and welcomes those in the LGBTQ+ community.

In-person support groups

“Face-to-face” groups are available in the United States and Canada. These meetings are just for women who are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Meetings occur once per week and usually last 60-90 minutes. Ideally, only 6-10 women attend per group.

During in-person meetings, you’ll face each other in a circle in an open discussion format. At the beginning of the meeting, the 13 Acceptance Statements and the mission statement are read out loud. Each woman introduces herself by saying, “my name is ____ and I am a competent woman.” You’ll then share a positive action or feeling that relates to one of the 13 affirmations. You’ll go over different topics, share stories, and learn together throughout those 60-90 minutes. 

At the end of the meeting, you’ll stand with joined hands and say the WFS Motto: “We are capable and competent, caring and compassionate, always willing to help another, bonded together in overcoming our addictions.” 

If this resonates with you, you can find a face-to-face group near you.

Online meetings

WFS Online is an open forum for women overcoming their addiction. This is a 24/7 message board where women can share and seek support for their recovery. There are online chat meetings that happen 1-2 times daily. And these meetings are free.

If this style of online support resonates with your recovery journey, join the online forum today.

Healing Through Love

Jean Kirkpatrick set out on a mission to help women all across the country recover differently than what society has told them they should do. The Women for Sobriety program has helped thousands of women find their place in the recovery community. Healing with other women will not only help you on your lifetime sobriety journey, but you’ll also form incredible relationships along the way. Discover how women’s only treatment can help you feel at home.

Posted on

How Does Addiction Affect Women?

Women healing from addiction and mental health conditions face distinct risks and challenges. Your sex and gender can impact the way your body responds to substances. While we need more data about people of many genders, we know that women often use drugs for different reasons than men. Women also face unique cultural pressures that can make addiction more likely. Women-only rehabs offer a safe space for women to work through these challenges. 

The Relationship Between Gender and Addiction

It’s important to note that most addiction research to date focuses on men and women. We need more data about the impacts of addiction on people of all genders. However, it can still be helpful to learn about how addiction affects different genders differently. 

Physiology and Addiction

Some physiological factors uniquely impact people assigned female at birth, whatever their gender. For example, many people with bodies assigned female at birth have a lower total percentage of body water1 than those assigned male at birth. This means it takes less alcohol for them to feel just as intoxicated. 

It’s also possible that men and women respond to substances differently. Experts report, “a number of studies have suggested that, relative to men, women may have an accelerated course of substance use,2 progressing more rapidly from initiation of substance use to problems with substances, and from problems with substances to treatment-seeking.”

Societal Challenges for Women

Women face certain social pressures, whether or not they were assigned female at birth. For example, data shows that both trans and cis women have higher rates of eating disorders3 than cis men. 

People of all genders feel shame about addiction.4 But these difficult emotions are stronger in women, especially those with children. Women are also more likely to feel a sense of stigma around addiction. And that, even more than the feeling of guilt, can be a barrier to treatment.

Women’s reasons for using drugs5 are also different from men’s. Men usually drink and use drugs for fun or to take risks. Women, on the other hand, use substances to regulate their mood, reduce stress, and find relief from difficult life experiences. If you’re using drugs to cope with your life, it’s easy to develop addiction. What’s more, data shows that women become addicted more quickly than men. 

What Types of Addiction Are Women Prone To?

While men are more likely to abuse substances6 in the first place, women are more prone to some types of  addiction. Women are also at a higher risk for certain mental health conditions. 

Alcohol

Because they typically weigh less than men, it takes less alcohol for women to become intoxicated.7 Most women also have lower levels of the digestive enzymes that break down alcohol. 

This means that drinking exposes women’s bodies to higher concentrations of alcohol. And that exposure lasts longer for women than it does for men. These factors make women more vulnerable to alcohol addiction. 

Prescription Drugs

Women are more likely to experience chronic pain8 than men. This may be part of the reason why women are more likely to misuse prescription opioids. And due to their brain chemistry, women develop opioid addiction much faster than men.

Gambling

Gambling addiction is commonly a way to cope with anxiety, loneliness, or boredom.9 While men are more likely to develop an addiction to gambling than women, that gender gap is closing. They may feel more shame about their behavior, or worry about whether it’s safe to get treatment in a mixed-gender setting.

Eating Disorders

The relationship between gender and eating disorders11 is a complicated one. Many women develop these conditions due to societal pressures about their appearance. According to one study, “girls or women are more likely than boys or men to report weight dissatisfaction, dieting for weight control, and use of purging.” 

Co-Occurring Disorders

When you have a mental health condition and addiction, you can look for a rehab that treats co-occurring disorders. Women are especially vulnerable to certain diagnoses. For example, almost twice as many women experience depression12 as men. People with depression are more likely to use substances,13 and people who use substances are more likely to be depressed. Without treatment, this can easily become a spiral.

Many women also use substances to cope with trauma. Data shows that as many as 59% of women with addiction also have PTSD.14 When drug use masks your mental health symptoms, it might feel like a coping strategy. But if you’re already vulnerable to addiction, that behavior can easily get out of control. 

Women and Relapse

It’s widely believed that women are more likely to relapse than men. However, there are studies with conflicting findings. Some say that women are more likely to relapse, while others have found the opposite to be true. In all, experts report “few gender differences in rates of post-treatment relapse15 to alcohol use, although the evidence is mixed in regard to relapse to drug use.”

Certain factors contribute to women’s relapse rates:

Supportive Treatment for Women With Addiction

Gender-specific treatment can make a huge difference in your healing journey. In women-only rehabs, your gender stops being a barrier to treatment. Instead, it can inform your specific goals for addiction recovery.

Women-Only Support Groups and Therapy

Some women find it difficult to share their feelings in mixed-gender groups.19 Perhaps you’ve experienced trauma that makes it hard to trust men. In addition, men tend to dominate conversations with women, even unintentionally. In rehab, women-only support groups and group therapy invite you to open up in a protected space. 

Some mixed-gender rehabs have women’s groups, and other programs only treat women. For Andrea, a client at Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic, attending women-only rehab was the key to recovery. “An all women’s program allowed for a safe environment for group work and other activities,” she explains.

Trauma-Informed Therapy for Women

Most women with addiction have a history of sexual assault,20 physical abuse, or both. Trauma-informed care helps clients explore the complex impacts of trauma. It also provides a safe, supportive environment for healing.

Kristi P., who attended the women-only rehab Awakenings by the Sea, says this of her experience: 

“I needed a safe place of refuge to escape my life and the chaos I was going through…I found women who were searching to heal from trauma the way I was searching.”

Relapse Prevention

For women, the risk of relapse is tied to societal pressures.21 Experts describe 4 themes among women who relapse: 

  1. A low sense of self-worth, especially in the context of romantic partnerships
  2. Negative feelings and conflict in relationships
  3. The inability to build a new, sober support network
  4. Little knowledge about drugs, alcohol, and relapse prevention skills

This data suggests that women can benefit from rehabs with a strong focus on relapse prevention. These programs can help you make a long term recovery plan that accounts for your specific risk factors. For example, your plan might include family therapy to help you improve close relationships.

Gender-Specific Treatment Options for Women

Women face unique risks and challenges when healing from addiction. The good news is that there are a myriad of ways to get the support you need. Gender-specific treatment can help you explore the root cause of your addiction, and empower you to start recovery.


No matter your sex or gender, you deserve care that meets your unique needs. Explore rehabs for women including centers with trauma-informed care, relapse prevention, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Women and Addiction

How does addiction affect women differently than men?

Addiction can affect women differently than men due to biological, psychological, and social factors. Women may experience more intense cravings and faster progression of addiction, have a higher risk of relapse, and may face greater stigma and social isolation. Women also tend to have more complex mental health needs, such as anxiety and depression, which can contribute to addiction.

What are the unique challenges women in addiction recovery face?

Women in recovery may face gender-specific issues, such as pregnancy, childcare responsibilities, or financial dependence on a partner. Women are likelier to have experienced trauma, such as sexual abuse or domestic violence, which can complicate recovery. Other challenges include lack of access to treatment, societal stigma, and shame associated with addiction.

What treatment options are available for women with addiction?

Treatment options for women with addiction include inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups. Treatment may also address co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. It’s important for women to receive treatment that addresses their unique needs and challenges in recovery.
Posted on

Substance Abuse in Nursing: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Help

All too often, the pressures of nursing can lead to addiction. Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. But that responsibility can be overwhelming. Rehabs that treat professionals recognize the unique challenges that people in demanding jobs, like nurses, face during recovery. 

Understanding Substance Abuse in Nursing

Between 2-10% of nurses experience addiction.1 Another 14-20%  experience unhealthy drug or alcohol behaviors without developing dependency. But many researchers believe that the actual number is higher, due to underreported addiction cases.2 And experts say this issue is  getting worse, partly due to COVID-19 and the ongoing nursing shortage

Whys Some Nurses Develop Substance Use Disorders

Nursing is a very difficult profession.3 Nurses work long hours, performing physically and emotionally exhausting tasks. And despite their efforts, they get less recognition than doctors. 

Certain factors increase the risk of addiction among nurses:

Stress and Burnout Among Healthcare Professionals

As physician Lewis Thomas said, a hospital “is held together, glued together, enabled to function as an organism, by the nurses.”3 Despite how essential their work is, many nurses experience unsustainable working conditions:4 

  • Long shifts, including 12-hour, overnight, or on-call shifts
  • Short-staffed work environments
  • Physically and emotionally taxing duties, like lifting patients and making emergency clinical decisions
  • Lack of control over their schedule
  • Unsafe workplaces with a high risk of contamination and violence
  • Financial insecurity 
  • Lack of support from administrators 
  • Constant exposure to pain, trauma, sickness, and death

Consistently living with this level of stress takes a toll on your body and mind. For some nurses, using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress5 is the path of least resistance. For example, if you’re working overnight shifts, you may not be able to have dinner with a supportive friend. But you might have easy access to prescription drugs. 

Some nurses also use drugs in order to get their jobs done. If you work in a short-staffed clinic, you might use stimulants to boost your energy6 so you can meet your patients’ needs.

People with different nursing specialties face different risks of substance abuse.7 For example, surgical, hospice, home health, and long-term care nurses are more vulnerable to addiction. These jobs are hugely demanding, and the people who do them experience high stress.

Mental Health and Emotional Strain

This stress can quickly lead to burnout. In fact, 50% of nurses experience burnout8 symptoms:

  • Emotional exhaustion
  • Lack of motivation and productivity
  • Decreased quality of life
  • Increased desire to quit their jobs

Burnout can lead to compassion fatigue.9 This condition is common for healthcare professionals. Ongoing exposure to patients’ suffering can cause serious physical, social, and emotional symptoms:

  • Constantly feeling on edge, or feeling numb to everything
  • Exhaustion and difficulty sleeping
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty making decisions, caring for patients, and feeling empathy for others
  • Feeling disconnected from colleagues, family and friends
  • Isolating yourself 

Compassion fatigue, stress, and burnout all increase your risk of addiction.10 This is exactly what happened to Shannan Fiorenza, a nurse in addiction recovery.11 After a kidney stone operation, she received prescription painkillers. She explains:  

“When I got those pain pills and they hit my bloodstream, it really helped me feel numb. And I think that’s what I was looking for, a way to escape at that time. I quickly destroyed my life.” 

Like Shannan, many nurses self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to manage mental health symptoms. 

How Common Is Substance Abuse in Nursing?

Nurses are at a higher risk of developing certain mental health conditions:12

It’s very common for anyone with these diagnoses—including nurses—to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. And in the short term, substances can help manage or numb your symptoms. But over time, that behavior often leads to addiction. 

Increased Access to Medications 

Nurses also have access to medications that most non-healthcare workers don’t. Studies show this increased access may make nurses more vulnerable to substance abuse.13 What’s more, nurses are at a higher risk of addiction to prescription medications than the general public. 

It’s common for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat themselves.14 But without a supervising prescriber, you’re responsible for monitoring your own drug use. This makes it all too easy for nurses to take drugs in secret, leading to a higher likelihood of substance abuse amongst nurses.

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in Nursing Professionals

Many nurses know how to hide their drug and alcohol use.15 And without specialized training, many healthcare professionals miss the signs of substance abuse in their colleagues. It’s important to learn how to recognize these symptoms to keep both patients and nurses safe.

Many nurses show behavioral changes as their addiction develops:16

  • Mood swings
  • Withdrawal from colleagues, friends, and family
  • Increased absences and tardiness
  • Defensiveness or dishonesty
  • Aggression
  • Changes in appearance
  • Frequent use of gum or mints
  • Heavy intoxication at work events like holiday parties
  • Expressing paranoia, feelings of pain, or depression

You might also notice physical symptoms:17

  • Dilated pupils or bloodshot eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Unsteady gait
  • Rapid weight changes
  • Lack or excess of energy
  • Runny nose
  • Tremors

In more severe cases, nurses with addiction show signs of impaired practice:18

  • Frequent errors in administering, ordering, recording, or disposing of medications 
  • Patients complaining about reduced pain relief
  • Consistently offering to administer medication for other nurses
  • Showing up at work on days off
  • Frequently leaving to use the bathroom, or go to the parking lot

If you notice signs of addiction in a colleague, it’s important to report it. Often, nurses will only receive treatment after a colleague does this. In many U.S. states, for example, state boards require healthcare professionals to report any signs of substance abuse19 from a coworker. 

What Happens When a Nurse Develops a Substance Use Disorder?

Nurses with substance use disorders face unique consequences and barriers to treatment. 

Patient Care From Nurses Experiencing Addiction

In healthcare settings, nurses provide most of the direct care to patients.20 Because a patient’s condition can change at any time, nurses have to be ready to make clinical decisions at a moment’s notice. When you’re drinking or using drugs, your judgment is limited. You can’t react as quickly, think as clearly, or notice as many details. In many situations, that can put a patient’s health at risk.

Addiction Stigma in the Healthcare Industry

Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals harbor negative beliefs about people experiencing addiction.21 So nurses that develop addiction may fear how their colleagues will judge them. They also may feel shame about using substances despite being a healthcare professional. 

Because of this stigma, nurses don’t always report their suspicion of a colleague’s addiction.22 They may fear social backlash at work, or fear what will happen if their colleague gets fired. Some hospital administrators even ignore reports of impaired care. In the short term, this can seem like a way to avoid malpractice lawsuits or staff shortages. But it can also be a barrier to treatment for nurses with addiction.

Barriers to Treatment for Nurses With Addictions

For many nurses, stigma delays treatment for substance abuse.23 Healthcare professionals are unlikely to get help until their substance use is severe enough to have serious consequences.

Nurses also face other barriers to drug and alcohol treatment:

  • The belief that they can stop on their own because of their medical training
  • Fear of legal and professional consequences like losing their license
  • Financial concerns about how to pay for rehab, especially if they lose their job

Resources for Nurses Seeking Help With Substance Abuse

Government and national nursing organizations recognize that substance abuse harms both nurses and patients. So some U.S. states now offer certain resources to nurses seeking addiction treatment.24 Many of these programs protect you from professional discipline if you follow certain rules. 

Alternative to Discipline (ATD) Programs 

Alternative to Discipline (ATD) programs are a common treatment option25 for nurses with substance use disorders. They are state board-run, confidential, and not mandatory. In most U.S. states, a nurse’s employer will refer them to an ATD program as soon as they learn of the nurse’s addiction. If you stay in that program you might be protected from prison time, losing your license, or getting fired.

The idea behind these programs is that most nurses will choose to get help if they can do so safely. Studies show that ATD programs effectively help nurses avoid relapse,26 return to work, and improve patient care.  

When you’re in an ATD program, you’ll usually sign a return-to-work agreement27 to uphold certain standards for a set period of time:

  • Complete a recognized treatment program 
  • Work less intensive hours, such as avoiding overnight shifts
  • Avoid situations where you’d work alone, like home healthcare
  • Refrain from handling or administering narcotics 
  • Submit to random drug tests or alcohol screenings
  • Attend regular support groups meetings or 1:1 therapy sessions
  • Check in with administrators on a regular basis
  • Disclose addiction and treatment plan to future employers

Some nursing specialities require stricter standards.28 For example, anesthesia nurses must have 1 year of sobriety before they can return to work.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Some employers have in-house programs for employees with substance misuse.29 These employee assistance programs (EAPs) vary widely across institutions. However, most EAPs are employer-paid and confidential. 

Some EAPs only offer health promotion and awareness activities. Others can refer you to a treatment center or provide treatment themselves. Once you’ve completed treatment through an EAP, they’ll likely monitor your progress with check-ins and random drugs tests. 

To find out if your employer offers an EAP, you can get in touch with a human resource manager. You can also look through the employee handbook or orientation materials if you’re not ready to talk to a colleague. 

Peer Support Groups for Nurses

Sobriety support groups30 can supplement more formal substance abuse treatment. And nurses can attend support groups just for other nurses and healthcare workers in recovery:

Some hospitals also offer 12-Step meetings for employees. There, you can connect with other people who understand the unique challenges of nursing while you’re in recovery. And you’ll be able to find mentors who have successfully returned to work while staying sober.

Residential and Outpatient Rehab Programs for Nurses

Some rehabs have treatment programs specifically for nurses and other healthcare professionals. You might access them through an ATD program or an EAP, or you can attend on your own. Depending on your employer’s requirements, you can choose between outpatient or residential treatment. 

Some outpatient programs may allow you to work during treatment. But if your substance use is more severe, you might need to start recovery in residential rehab.

Learn more about getting time off for addiction treatment here.

You’ll have access to a variety of treatment options, depending on your rehab program:

These therapies can help you work through triggers and address the root cause of your substance misuse. If and when you return to work, you’ll be able to keep everyone safe—both yourself and your patients.
To get the specialized care you need, explore rehab for professionals to learn more about pricing, insurance coverage, and therapy options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Abuse in Nursing

What are the risk factors for substance abuse among nurses?

Stress and burnout from long shifts, short-staffed work environments, physically and emotionally taxing duties, and constant exposure to pain and trauma can increase the risk of substance abuse among nurses.

What treatment options are available for nurses struggling with substance abuse?

Alternative-to-discipline (ATD) programs, employee assistance programs (EAPs), peer support groups, and residential and outpatient rehab programs are options for nurses seeking help. Treatments might include individual, group, and family therapy, evidence-based approaches, and complementary therapies.

How can I support a loved one who is a nurse struggling with substance abuse?

It’s important to approach the situation with empathy and compassion. Consider having a private conversation with them about your observations and offer to help them find resources for treatment. Remember that recovery is a journey that requires ongoing support and care. Encourage them to seek help from a specialized rehab center that caters to professionals.
Posted on

Learning True Strength in Men-Only Rehab 

Men face a unique set of challenges that affect the types of mental health issues they have, their likelihood of seeking help, and their experience in treatment once they do. Thankfully, more rehabs are specializing in care for men, addressing male-specific struggles in a safe and supportive setting.  

Mental Health Challenges Facing Men Today

Growing up in a culture with specific expectations about what it means to “be a man” shapes male psychological development. This impacts the types of mental health issues men have, and the methods they use to cope:  

Because it can be harder for men to voice their problems, this suffering often happens in silence. Men’s mental health researcher Benita Chatmon, PhD says this raises concern: “These statistics are troubling because they reinforce the notion that males are less likely to seek help and more likely than women to turn to dangerous, unhealthy behaviors.”

A Note on Gender

In the past, gender has been thought of as being either male or female, but we now understand it to be far more nuanced. Those who aren’t cisgendered men may still be affected by cultural expectations of masculinity. And those who don’t see gender as a major factor in their experience may not find gender-specific treatment necessary. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which aspects of your care are most important.

sobermans estate mens group
Soberman’s Estate in Cave Creek, Arizona offers daily group therapy and equine therapy as part of their men-only treatment program.

Masculine Norms

“Men are subjected to a culture where the standards of masculinity are literally killing them,” says Chatmon. 

This happens through what men’s mental health activist Dan Griffin calls the “internalization of the ‘man rules.”4 Sometimes called “toxic masculinity,” this set of rules tells men how they’re supposed to behave:

  • Don’t show weakness. 
  • Don’t express your emotions. 
  • Don’t cry. 
  • Don’t admit that you’re afraid. 
  • Don’t lose control.
  • Don’t ask for help. 

Unfortunately, following these rules leads many men to struggles with depression, anxiety, stress, and substance abuse. And, it cuts them off from support when they need it most. 

“When men adhere rigidly to the kinds of norms that encourage them to not share their emotions, to be sort of relentlessly self-reliant without seeking the help or support of others, they can have poorer mental health outcomes,” says health behavior professor and men’s mental health expert Wizdom Powell, PhD, “because doing so cuts them off from the social networks and social supports that might help them get through a difficult time.” 

Everyone’s Journey is Their Own

Of course, just because certain issues tend to be more challenging for men doesn’t mean all men experience them in the same way. These norms show up differently for different people, affect men to different degrees, and vary according to context. “A man who enacts a particular masculinity in the boardroom may enact a very different kind of masculinity on the street corner,” says Powell.

Why is it Harder for Men to Ask for Help?

Mental illness is often overlooked in men,5 and is therefore more likely to go untreated. SAMHSA’s guide on Addressing the Specific Behavioral Health Needs of Men states that there are “specific issues facing men that can affect all elements of the treatment process,6 including the decision to seek treatment in the first place.”

Social conditioning can influence how likely men are to talk about their feelings or reach out when they’re struggling. And there’s far more to this picture than what appears on the outside: 

Trauma and Shame 

Intense shame is a common theme for men in recovery,7 in addition to “histories of violence, sexuality, family issues, and difficulty accessing emotions.” Some men feel this as a result of trauma they’ve experienced, or inflicted on others. And some feel shame around violating masculine norms. 

Shame is a powerful emotion.8 It affects the way you see yourself, how you interpret the world around you, and the choices you make. That includes your willingness to address the traumas underlying your addiction, anxiety, or depression. 

But working through shame is a necessary part of healing. Psychologist and former president of the American Psychological Association Ronald Levant explains: “We have to brave the shame. We were made to feel ashamed of ourselves for not being fully masculine,9 and that was nonsense…Those lessons you learn as a child are not valid. A better approach is to have an open heart, an open mind, and to freely express your emotions to the people you care about.” 

That includes yourself. 

Stigma

Mental health stigma exists across all genders, but especially so for men, who are under extra pressure to seem like they have it all together.

In a report from the 2019 Behavioral Health Aspects of Depression and Anxiety in the American Male, experts agreed that “stigma is an extreme barrier to those needing mental health treatment,”10 and that men’s acculturation affects the way they experience mental health issues.

When men do get into treatment, that acculturation also affects how receptive they are to the process.

next step adventure therapy
Next Step Recovery in Asheville, North Carolina is a 12-Step intensive outpatient program offering adventure therapy and optional sober living.

Adjusting to the Treatment Process

Many of these unspoken rules are the opposite of what recovery asks us to do. The healing process requires us to be vulnerable, make room for our emotions, and be unflinchingly honest with ourselves. Residential rehab, where feelings are shared with therapists and in groups, may feel inherently unsafe to someone with little practice doing any of these things. 

“Men are expected to be independent, self-sufficient, stoic, and invulnerable,” says SAMHSA. This means that, often, men struggle with certain issues during treatment:11 

  • Inability to see or express weaknesses
  • Difficulty opening up to therapists or peers
  • Competitiveness with other patients 
  • Defensiveness 
  • Unwillingness to take direction or accept suggestions 
  • Anxiety around privacy and confidentiality 
  • Lack of ability to connect feelings to the problems they stem from 
  • A false sense of security in their recovery status 
  • Resistance to attending continuing care or ongoing meetings 

Intensive treatment is only the beginning of the recovery journey. After treatment, men return to their home communities, where they face the same societal pressures as before. That’s why it’s important to prepare for life after rehab by gaining tools that reduce your chance of reverting to old coping habits. 

Common Male Coping Strategies 

Suppressing Emotions

Men are often taught that expressing emotions is wrong. But regularly holding them in doesn’t make them go away—it just makes them come out sideways.

“Suppressing emotion in and of itself isn’t necessarily harmful,” says Powell. “It’s when you do it habitually; if it’s your go-to response to all the stress that you experience. Eventually, that suppression will cause a rebound in some other areas, like whack-a-mole. You hit it down in one place and it pops up in another.”

Humans are blessed with an astounding range of emotions—and ideally, we should be fluent in all of them. But this is easier said than done. Many men are limited to just a handful of emotions that are considered acceptable to express. 

Anger 

When we’re stressed, we tend to respond with the emotion that’s most readily available to us. And for men, who may not be well-versed in expressing sadness or fear, that emotion is more likely to be anger. 

Sometimes, we channel anger and other “negative” feelings into behaviors—some of which are harmful to us. Especially if we feel the need to “suck it up” and get through hardships on our own, those behaviors are less likely to look like talking through our problems with a friend or therapist, and more likely to look like social withdrawal, overworking, aggression, or alcohol and drugs. 

Substances 

Substances are a common way to cope with problems we’d rather not face head-on. And for men, anger and the inability to untangle difficult emotions can lead to more substance use. 

Data shows that “men tend to use more alcohol as opposed to women when they are stressed.”12 According to Powell, “we can see higher rates of substance abuse in males because of that anger and emotional response.”

Mental Health Among Minority Men 

Mistrust of treatment professionals comes from a particularly deep-rooted place for men and boys of color. There’s not only a verified link between racism and poor mental health,13 but an established history of racial trauma and access inequities in the American healthcare system.14  

The good news is that this can be changed. “Even with those experiences in the background,” says Powell, “when Black men have more patient-centered, empathic experiences with physicians, they report lower medical mistrust. So in other words, mistrust is not immutable. It can be fixed. It can be intervened upon.” 

Fortunately, some treatment programs are evolving to be more responsive to the societal issues their patients are grappling with. 

How Treatment Can Help  

Looking at deeply held traumas and unprocessed emotions is a necessary step toward healing. “When they feel safe enough, [men] are willing to look at many important, although difficult, issues commonly overlooked in traditional treatment. Some of these are relationships, sexuality and sexual behavior, power and control, criminal behaviors, privilege and entitlement, and grief,” say the authors of Helping Men Recover: A Program for Treating Addiction. 

Rehab can be a safe place to do just that. 

Gender-Responsive Care Takes Men’s Issues Into Account

“The keys to developing effective treatment for men,” says Griffin, “are acknowledging their life experiences and the impact of living as a man in a male-based society.”

In men-only rehab, patients can ease into the treatment process alongside others facing similar issues, with less distraction and a chance to build lasting bonds. 

Soberman’s Estate in Cave Creek, Arizona caters exclusively to adult men. They find that this gender-specific grouping raises the comfort level, leading to more sharing and honesty in group sessions. This creates an environment conducive to recovery, comradery, and true release. And because they make special efforts to accommodate working professionals, business access time is built into the daily schedule. 

For those who prefer to live at home during treatment, Next Step Recovery in Asheville, North Carolina offers a men’s-only intensive outpatient program (IOP) with optional sober living options for men ages 18-40. In addition to a focus on building a healthy daily routine, the center offers a range of therapeutic outdoor activities including river rafting, paintball, and high ropes.

Face the Fears That Keep You From Your Best Life

Being a man doesn’t need to mean foregoing care that will make you well, and ultimately more capable of living to your full potential. 


See our directory of men-only rehab centers to learn more about their programming, facilities, activities, and more.

Posted on

Can I Go to Rehab and Keep Working? What to Expect in Rehab for Executives

Executives and business owners aren’t immune to addiction. Anyone can misuse substances—even high-level professionals. If a lot of people are depending on you, it can be hard to make time for self-care. And when you’re constantly on the go, you might not even realize you have a serious problem.

You have the right to ask for help—even if you’re in a position of power. Some rehab programs cater to executives with busy lifestyles. Your life doesn’t have to stop when you enter recovery. You can get the rest and restoration your mind and body crave, and still fulfill your professional obligations while finding balance.

Working While in Treatment

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about rehab for working professionals. And fortunately, the answer is yes—you can definitely still attend rehab even if you need to work. Some rehab centers make special exceptions for professionals, and allow them to schedule therapy and other activities around important business meetings. Others have flexible tech usage policies or business facilities for patients to use during treatment.

For example, Orenda at Futures in Florida has a business center on their property. In this private office space, patients can take business calls and conduct meetings. While some facilities limit internet access, patients here can use their personal computers to stay connected to work. This allows them to still focus on work commitments—as well as healing.

orenda at futures
Some rehabs, like Orenda at Futures in Florida, have a business center so clients can keep up with work during treatment.

Treatment Options for Professionals in Rehab

Everyone’s needs and preferences are different, which is why it’s important to find a program that matches yours. You may prefer to attend treatment on your own, without any other people around. This may allow you to focus more on recovery. Or, you might want to move through the treatment process alongside others with similar experiences. Spending time with people who can empathize with the pressure you’re under, and its impacts on your life, can lessen the overwhelm that results from burnout. Whatever your needs, there’s probably a rehab center that can accommodate them.

Individual Treatment

During 1-on-1 treatment, you’ll see various mental health professionals like counselors, therapists, psychiatrists, and wellness practitioners. This is your time to be vulnerable, talk about what’s coming up for you in treatment, and receive their full attention. Most rehab programs use a combination of group and individual treatment.

Learn more about 1-on-1 therapy in our article: How Much Individual Treatment Do You Need in Rehab?

Secluded Locations

Many executive programs are set in remote locations that can provide the solitude you crave. If you live in a busy city, you’ll benefit from a more relaxed pace and quiet, peaceful surroundings. As a busy professional, a respite from your hectic lifestyle can go a long way towards calming your nervous system, which is a necessary first step before diving into intense therapy work.

Tikvah Lake Recovery, for instance, overlooks a 200-acre private lake. You can spend your free time meditating at the lakefront or walking along the shore. Time spent in nature is good for your well-being. ((White, M. P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B. W., Hartig, T., Warber, S. L., Bone, A., Depledge, M. H., & Fleming, L. E. (2019). Spending at least 120  minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific Reports, 9, 7730. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3)) At least 120 minutes per week is best, according to research. Attending treatment in an environment that’s immersed in nature provides a baseline level of relaxation that can help you open up to the healing process.

Soothing lake views at Tikvah Lake Recovery and the warm Florida climate can encourage clients to spend more time outdoors.

Rehab From the Comfort of Your Home

You may want to attend a program closer to home (and work). If you don’t have any facilities close to you, many rehabs now offer online programs. In Parkdale Center for Professionals’ telehealth programs, for example, patients can meet with health professionals for evaluation, complete therapy sessions, access aftercare support, and more.

Accelerated Rehab Programs for Professionals

Most standard residential rehab programs last at least 28 days. However, it might be difficult for you to take that much time away. Because of this, some rehabs offer accelerated programs so you can get back to your life quickly.

For example, Tikvah Lake Recovery provides a 10-day treatment plan just for executives. You’ll still receive the same number of therapy sessions that someone would while attending a month-long program. And if you decide you’d like to stay longer, there’s an option to extend your stay.

Unique Executive Rehab Experiences

You can still have fun in recovery. Some rehab centers offer intriguing activities that you may already enjoy or want to try. As a busy professional, you may not have had time to engage in hobbies. Rehab might give you a chance to explore these other interests. And in fact, it’s important to incorporate hobbies into your healing process. Doing things you enjoy boosts your mood, and that happiness can promote recovery. ((Communications, D. H. H. (2019, January 18). Happiness exercises boost moods of those recovering from addiction says MGH study. Harvard Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2019/01/happiness-exercises-boost-moods-of-those-recovering-from-addiction-says-mgh-study/))

“Recovery is hard,” says Bettina B. Hoeppner, a scientist and associate professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School. “For the effort to be sustainable, positive experiences need to be attainable along the way.”

Rehab for Adventure Lovers

All Points North Lodge
Surrounded by the Rockies, clients have access to an extensive range of outdoor activities at All Points North Lodge.

You can still get outside during the rehab process. Plenty of rehab centers offer adventure activities for patients. You’ll find All Points North Lodge in the mountains of Vail, Colorado. This rehab center takes full advantage of the outdoor playground in this adventurous destination. Patients can go skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking in the warmer seasons.

Rehab for Golf Enthusiasts

Capo by The Sea Counseling Offices
At Capo by the Sea in San Juan Capistrano, California, clients can find joy in hobbies, such as golfing.

Capo by the Sea has a Golf Drug Rehab program specifically for executives. During this 2-week accelerated detox treatment plan, patients can play golf at the following courses:

  • Monarch Beach Golf Links, an oceanfront golf course
  • Bella Colina, set amongst shimmering lakes and rolling hills
  • Talega Golf Club, a golf course nestled in the San Clemente slopes

Rehab for People Interested in the Arts

White River Manor art therapy
Art classes at White River Manor in South Africa helps clients get in touch with their creative side.

You can explore your artistic side in rehab. Some programs offer art therapy or music therapy. This isn’t just for people who identify as artists and musicians. In fact, creativity in this context is much more about the process than the end result. Making art reduces stress and anxiety, ((Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: A review of current literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254–263. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497)) and allows you to access parts of your heart, mind, and past experiences that may not be as responsive to talk therapy. Whether you’re painting a landscape, writing a story, or playing an instrument, creative expression can be a powerful tool for releasing stuck emotions.

Taking Time off to Attend Rehab

The best decision for you might be to press pause on work and focus on healing. If this is the case, you should talk to your employer. And if you need to discuss this with your boss, requesting time off work to go to rehab may be more feasible than you think.

If you are the boss, know that while feeling undeserving of time off is a typical trait of burnout, you can and should reclaim your right to a work-life balance. Taking days off of work is incredibly important. And it’s not just necessary for your health—people actually increase their productivity after returning from time off. ((Contributor, A. D. P. (n.d.). Adp brandvoice: Science says your employees need days off. Forbes. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/adp/2018/06/01/science-says-your-employees-need-days-off/)) This can set an example for your employees too. It’s just as important for them to take breaks. This allows them to avoid burnout, feel less exhaustion, and return to work with a more positive mood. So if you’re second-guessing your need for treatment, remind yourself that taking a step back doesn’t mean things will fall apart—and it can actually do more good than harm.

Rehab Can Benefit Your Mental Health

The pressure to be successful can be exhausting. Your passion for work can help you achieve your wildest dreams. But it can also undermine your mental health.

Stress is rampant in the executive world. ((Ganesh, R., Mahapatra, S., Fuehrer, D. L., Folkert, L. J., Jack, W. A., Jenkins, S. M., Bauer, B. A., Wahner-Roedler, D. L., & Sood, A. (2018). The stressed executive: Sources and predictors of stress among participants in an executive health program. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 7, 2164956118806150. https://doi.org/10.1177/2164956118806150)) This constant push to grow, produce, and get ahead can contribute to addiction and other co-occurring disorders. For example, depression is also common amongst executives. ((Ellevate. (n.d.). What you need to know about tackling depression from the c-suite. Forbes. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellevate/2021/09/10/what-you-need-to-know-about-tackling-depression-from-the-c-suite/)) CEO depression rates are often twice the national average. There are many reasons why high achievers tend to get depressed, ((Walton, A. G. (n.d.). Why the super-successful get depressed. Forbes. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2015/01/26/why-the-super-successful-get-depressed/)) such as high competition, constant comparison, and less time for simple pleasures, just to name a few.

If you suspect that you have multiple mental health diagnoses, there is help. In rehab, health professionals will screen and treat you for your conditions. Many rehab centers even specialize in treating people with dual diagnoses. This allows you to address substance and mental health issues simultaneously, which is hugely important to recovery from this complex combination.

Recovery Doesn’t End When You Finish Rehab

Professionals often prioritize work over themselves. Because of this, they can benefit from attending a rehab center with a robust aftercare program.

Continuing care is necessary for people with a substance or alcohol use disorder. ((Kelly, P., Deane, F., Baker, A., Byrne, G., Degan, T., Osborne, B., Townsend, C., McKay, J., Robinson, L., Oldmeadow, C., Lawson, K., Searles, A., & Lunn, J. (2020). Study protocol the Continuing Care Project: A randomised controlled trial of a continuing care telephone intervention following residential substance dependence treatment. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 107. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8206-y)) About 40-70% of people in this category relapse in the first 6 months after leaving residential rehab. Research suggests that aftercare is especially helpful for people at a greater risk of relapse. ((McKay, J. R. (2021). Impact of continuing care on recovery from substance use disorder. Alcohol Research : Current Reviews, 41(1), 01. https://doi.org/10.35946/arcr.v41.1.01)) And, a longer duration of aftercare with more engaging activities is better than shorter, less involved programs. One study found, for example, that aftercare programs of at least 12 months with more frequent interventions were best. Any length of continuing care is better than nothing at all, but you may want to consider this when comparing programs.

Learn more about this in our article on continuing care after rehab.

Finding Balance for a Fulfilling Life

In rehab, you’ll have the opportunity to restructure your routine. Learning to take a more balanced approach to work and place the focus back on your personal life makes recovery more sustainable.

This is your chance to redefine what success means to you. And moving forward, this means making time for your needs, too.

To learn more about how to make recovery work for you, check out our executive rehab guide to compare facilities.