Category: Gather Information

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.

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.

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

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 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

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.

As an LGBTQ+ person, it can be hard to find supportive, affirming treatment for addiction. In some cases, it can actually be dangerous to disclose certain aspects of your life to a provider. Other doctors may have good intentions, but lack cultural competency. And if your care team struggles to understand you, recovery can be much harder than it needs to be.

Today, we’re in the middle of a cultural shift. Information about LGBTQ+ issues is increasingly accessible. And doctors are starting to understand why that matters. A growing number of rehab centers cater to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ patients.

Finding the Right Rehab for You

Recovery means building a life that works for you. Everyone has unique values, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. In an affirming rehab, your team will guide you through that process without judgment. When you’re ready to choose a treatment program, you can ask these questions to see if a particular center is a good fit:

• What experience does your team have treating people of my identity?
• I prefer to be called a name that doesn’t match my ID or insurance. Will your staff respect that?
• Does your standard intake form ask for new patients’ pronouns?
• Is your program faith-based? If so, how does that inform your approach to treatment?
• Do you have a dress code? If so, what is it?
• Are rooms assigned by gender?
• Are private rooms available?
• Are any activities segregated by gender?
• What types of medical care do you offer?
• Does anyone on your team specialize in hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
• Which support groups can I attend during treatment, if any?
• Do you offer family therapy? If so, can I include my chosen family?

You have the right to get answers to these questions, and any others you might have. And with those answers, you’ll be able to assess whether a rehab can support your recovery goals.

What is LGBTQ+ Affirming Treatment?

The healing process is different for everyone. And skilled providers will understand that there’s more to you than your gender or sexuality. But most LGBTQ+ affirming programs should have certain qualities in common.

Respectful Therapy

The goal of therapy is to become your best self, not to artificially “fix” who you are. Culturally competent therapists honor their patients’ identities. Your counselor will help you define your own values, instead of urging you to change them.

1:1 therapy may focus on your personal history and your emotional experience. But feelings don’t happen in a vacuum. LGBTQ+ affirming therapists also understand the cultural context that informs your life. Or, if your lifestyle is new to them, they’re willing to learn. Their job is to support you in defining yourself; not to debate your identity. And as you become your best self, you can also start building healthier relationships.

Chosen Family Therapy

A family is just a group of people who have things in common. Some families share DNA, or a last name, or an address. But family can also include people with shared history and values, no matter where you first met them.

For many LGBTQ+ people, the idea of “family” is complex and even painful. You might be much closer to your chosen family than your family of origin. No matter how you define the word, your health can have a huge impact on your loved ones. Because of this, family therapy is an important part of addiction recovery. ((Filges, T., Andersen, D., & Jørgensen, A.-M. K. (2018). Effects of multidimensional family therapy (Mdft) on nonopioid drug abuse: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Research on Social Work Practice, 28(1), 68–83. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731515608241))

LGBTQ+ affirming rehabs offer treatment for both biological and chosen families. Connecting with your loved ones can give you valuable insight into your sense of self.

Body Image

There may be a link between body image issues and drug addiction. ((Grant, J. E., Menard, W., Pagano, M. E., Fay, C., & Phillips, K. A. (2005). Substance use disorders in individuals with body dysmorphic disorder. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 66(3), 309–405. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2504687/)) And body image is an issue for people of any gender or sexuality. However, it might be an even greater concern for LGBTQ+ people.

One study found trans and non-binary people are 2-4 times more likely to have eating disorders. ((Gordon, A. R., Moore, L. B., & Guss, C. (2021). Eating disorders among transgender and gender non-binary people. In J. M. Nagata, T. A. Brown, S. B. Murray, & J. M. Lavender (Eds.), Eating Disorders in Boys and Men (pp. 265–281). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67127-3_18)) According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), this may be due to a few types of social pressure. If you’re bullied or targeted because of your identity, you might be more vulnerable. But social pressure within LGBTQ+ communities is also a risk factor.

Fortunately, inpatient treatment isn’t just for addiction. You can also go to rehab for a number of mental health issues, including eating disorders. In LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, you’ll do more than work through your feelings about your body. You’ll also consider the social pressures that contribute to those feelings. The right therapist will be able to help you find balance, without asking you to give up your community.

LGBTQ+ Youth

Historically, it’s been difficult to find adequate health care for young LGBTQ+ people. At its worst, treatment forced vulnerable teens into living inauthentic lives. Mental health care has come a long way since that time, and there’s still a long way to go.

Today, there are many more resources available for LGBTQ+ youth. Providers aim to support this population as they come out and grow into healthy adults. With or without support from their families of origin, LGBTQ+ kids and teens deserve care.

And some rehabs have a special focus on family therapy. For instance, Paradigm Teen & Young Adults Treatment teaches parents and guardians to publicly support their LGBTQ+ teens. This heals much more than interpersonal family dynamics. It also helps young patients connect with community resources. Providers teach that when a family can accept a teen as they are, “it helps a community to do the same.”

If you’re a parent or guardian looking to send your teen to rehab, these programs can help. LGBTQ+ people face unique challenges. And it’s possible to get your teen the exact type of support they need. This can include anything from a change of scenery to specialized medical care.

Medical Care for Trans People on HRT

Drug use can change the way your body responds to other medications. And when you detox, things will likely change again. This can be a serious concern for trans patients who are on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Don’t let this be a barrier to treatment. You can absolutely start recovery without losing access to these important prescriptions.

At some rehabs, like Caron Ocean Drive, endocrinologists offer support for transgender patients. These experts ensure your access to gender-affirming care throughout detox and recovery. They’ll even help you find a qualified provider for ongoing treatment after rehab.

Mental Health Stressors in LGBTQ+ Communities

Certain factors put LGBTQ+ people at higher risk for mental health issues. ((Stress & Trauma Toolkit. (n.d.). American Psychiatric Association.)) People in this demographic face discrimination, harassment, and a lack of community support. These external stressors make you more vulnerable to mental health issues. And mental health problems can lead to addiction. ((Mental health and substance use co-occurring disorders | mentalhealth. Gov. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/mental-health-substance-use-disorders))

Minority Stress

With or without a diagnosed mental illness, many LGBTQ+ people experience minority stress. ((Minority stress model—An overview | sciencedirect topics. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/minority-stress-model)) Minority stress is the state of living under discriminatory conditions. Experts agree that this constant pressure has noticeable negative impacts on your health. Minority stress is common among people who experience oppression, ((The minority stress perspective. (n.d.). Https://Www.Apa.Org. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/pi/aids/resources/exchange/2012/04/minority-stress)) including queer and BIPOC communities.

Even people without acute trauma can get worn down by these constant challenges. This is partly because minority stress can affect your conception of self. Experts describe “internalized homonegativity,” in which LGBTQ+ people lack self-esteem and self-respect. While these are mental health issues, they may have external causes. And while rehab can’t take those stressors away, it can help you learn to navigate them.

Trauma and Mental Health Issues

People who do experience severe trauma are likely to develop mental health disorders. For example, LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk for PTSD. ((Higher risk of PTSD for gay, lesbian, bisexual, ‘mostly heterosexual’ youth. (2012, June 19). Harvard Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/newsplus/higher-risk-of-ptsd-for-gay-lesbian-bisexual-mostly-heterosexual-youth/)) With that in mind, many rehabs offer trauma-informed care. These programs help you work through difficult memories, and teach you to handle triggers as they come up.

You can even attend rehab to treat addiction and PTSD as co-occurring disorders. In that case, treatment will help you explore the relationship between these conditions.

Addiction in the LGBTQ+ Community

LGBTQ+ people are at higher risk for substance use disorders ((Why the gay and transgender population experiences higher rates of substance use. (n.d.). Center for American Progress. Retrieved from https://www.americanprogress.org/article/why-the-gay-and-transgender-population-experiences-higher-rates-of-substance-use/)) than other demographics. One study found that 20-30% of LGBTQ+ people had addictions, compared to about 9% of the total population. And in the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, LGBTQ+ people had a high risk of mental health issues. ((McCabe, S. E., Hughes, T. L., Bostwick, W. B., West, B. T., & Boyd, C. J. (2009). Sexual orientation, substance use behaviors and substance dependence in the United States. Addiction, 104(8), 1333–1345. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02596.x))

Addiction and mental health issues can amplify each other. Most people need professional help to break out of this cycle. And many LGBTQ+ people lack access to mental health services. ((Moagi, M. M., van Der Wath, A. E., Jiyane, P. M., & Rikhotso, R. S. (2021). Mental health challenges of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people: An integrated literature review. Health SA Gesondheid, 26, 1487. https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v26i0.1487)) This may be due to discrimination, or the fear of discrimination due to past trauma. These concerns are valid. And LGBTQ+ affirming rehab centers can address them.

Take Pride in Recovery

Recovery is the process of healing yourself as a whole person. In rehab, you’ll integrate each aspect of your identity, and focus on the parts of your life that bring you joy. But this work can only happen if you have the right support. An LGBTQ+ affirming program will help you become your best and most authentic self.

Connect with one of the many rehabs offering LGBTQ+ affirming care to learn more about their unique approaches to treatment, insurance options, and community programs.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

Everyone’s brain is unique. If you’re a neurodivergent person, you might be acutely aware of that. Fortunately, addiction recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. You can find a rehab program designed to accommodate your needs.

Choosing the best rehab option for you can feel complicated for lots of reasons. For example, your sensory or communication needs might be unique. You might also remember bad experiences with past doctors, who didn’t have the expertise to help you. These issues can make it hard to trust that you’ll get the care you need in rehab.

Certain markers can show whether a facility is qualified to treat your concerns. These key points can help you find a rehab program that affirms neurodiversity.

What is Neurodiversity?

History of the Neurodiversity Movement

The term “neurodiversity” ((Milton, D., Ridout, S., Murray, D., Martin, N., & Mills, R. (2020, September 25). The Neurodiversity Reader: Exploring concepts, lived experiences and implications for practice [Edited book]. https://www.pavpub.com/mental-health/the-neurodiversity-reader)) is attributed to Judy Singer, an autistic social scientist. Some people also credit Autistic advocate Jim Sinclair’s 1993 speech “Don’t Mourn for Us.” ((Sinclair, J. (2012). Don’t mourn for us. Autonomy, the Critical Journal of Interdisciplinary Autism Studies, 1(1). http://www.larry-arnold.net/Autonomy/index.php/autonomy/article/view/AR1)) This piece addressed neurotypical people who viewed Autism as a “traumatic” event.

Accepted Terminology

Researcher and advocate Nick Walker argues against pathologizing neurodiversity. ((Throw away the master’s tools: Liberating ourselves from the pathology paradigm • neuroqueer. (2021, August 1). https://neuroqueer.com/throw-away-the-masters-tools/))

This “diversity of brains and minds,” she says, “is a natural, healthy, and valuable form of human diversity.”

There are a few similar and related terms in common usage today:

• Neurodiverse: A neurodiverse group includes people whose brains function in different ways.
• Neurodivergent: If someone’s brain works differently from the societal standard, they are neurodivergent.
• Neurotypical: A neurotypical person’s brain functions in a way that matches societal standards.

There is no positive or negative value to being neurodivergent or neurotypical. These are just varieties of what it means to be human.

Neurodiversity Is Not a Medical Model

A neurodiversity perspective is different from the traditional medical model. Differences are celebrated, not stigmatized. Instead of symptoms, we can talk about traits. There are some common traits of being neurodivergent, ((Price, D. (2022). Unmasking autism: Discovering the new faces of neurodiversity. New York: Harmony Rhodale.)) including the following examples:

• Bottom-up thinking: Neurodivergent people process the world in a systematic way. They analyze details and look for patterns. This can make it hard to adjust to sudden changes.
• Emotional regulation and sensory sensitivities: As a neurodivergent person, you might be highly aware of sensory input. ((Belek, B. (2019). Articulating sensory sensitivity: From bodies with autism to autistic bodies. Medical Anthropology, 38(1), 30–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/01459740.2018.1460750)) And when you get overwhelmed, you may experience meltdowns ((Phung, J., Penner, M., Pirlot, C., & Welch, C. (2021). What I Wish You Knew: Insights on Burnout, Inertia, Meltdown, and Shutdown From Autistic Youth. Frontiers in Psychology, 4981.)) or shutdowns.
• Executive functioning: ((Diamond, A. (2013). Executive functions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64(1), 135–168. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-113011-143750)) This term refers to your ability to plan, start, and complete tasks. Neurodivergent people may do this less quickly or simply than neurotypical people.
• Experience of time: Marta Rose, neurodiversity advocate and creator of Divergent Design Studios, explains that neurodivergent people experience time differently ((Rose, M. (2020). Neuro emergent time: Making time make sense for ADHD and Autistic people. Retrieved https://martarose-neurodivergentcreators-com.ck.page/9d449add24)) than neurotypical people do. “We don’t identify a goal and move toward it in a linear, efficient, straightforward manner, free of distraction and passion,” Rose writes. “Our minds are all about connection.”
• Communication needs: Some people struggle with auditory processing. ((Moore, D. R. (2006). Auditory processing disorder (APD): Definition, diagnosis, neural basis, and intervention. Audiological Medicine, 4(1), 4-11.)) You might ask people to repeat themselves, or turn on captions during movies. You may also need to communicate in a specific way, ((Price, D. (2022). Unmasking autism: Discovering the new faces of neurodiversity. New York: Harmony Rhodale.)) like writing or using an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device.
• Deep and passionate interests: You may have one or more topics or activities that bring you great joy. Spending time on special interests promotes well-being ((Grove, R., Hoekstra, R. A., Wierda, M., & Begeer, S. (2018). Special interests and subjective wellbeing in autistic adults. Autism Research, 11(5), 766-775.)) for Autistic people.

Each person’s experience of neurodivergence is unique. You may have some of these traits, all of them, or different ones. In any case, you probably navigate the world differently than neurotypical people. That’s not a problem. And you can get help during recovery without trying to “fix” the traits that make you who you are.

Prevalence of Neurodivergence

Neurodivergence can encompass neurological differences, developmental differences, intellectual differences, and mental differences. Experts estimate that 15-20% of people are neurodivergent ((Doyle, N. (2020). Neurodiversity at work: A biopsychosocial model and the impact on working adults. British Medical Bulletin, 135(1), 108–125. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldaa021)) in some way. Neurodiversity is underidentified in several populations. These include women, transgender and non-binary people, ((Adams, N., & Liang, B. (2020). Trans and autistic: Stories from life at the intersection. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.)) and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). ((Jones, D. R., Nicolaidis, C., Ellwood, L. J., Garcia, A., Johnson, K. R., Lopez, K., & Waisman, T. (2020). An expert discussion on structural racism in autism research and practice. Autism in Adulthood, 2(4), 273–281. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2020.29015.drj))

How do you know if you are neurodivergent? Here are some identities, conditions, diagnoses, and neurotypes under the neurodiversity umbrella:

• Autism Spectrum
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• complex PTSD (c-PTSD)
• bipolar disorder
• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• depression
• anxiety
• personality disorders
• Tourette syndrome (TS)
• learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, discalculalia)
• intellectual disability
• traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• epilepsy
• and others

Everyone experiences their neurodivergence differently. Even if 2 people use the same term to describe themselves, they may mean different things. You can identify as neurodivergent whether you’ve gotten a formal diagnosis or not.

There are many co-occurring types of neurodiversity. For example, it’s common for one person to have both Autism and ADHD. ((Decoding the overlap between autism and ADHD. (2018, February 7). Spectrum | Autism Research News. https://www.spectrumnews.org/features/deep-dive/decoding-overlap-autism-adhd/)) Also, as much as 17% of Autistic people may have OCD. ((Untangling the ties between autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder. (2019, February 27). Spectrum | Autism Research News. https://www.spectrumnews.org/features/deep-dive/untangling-ties-autism-obsessive-compulsive-disorder/)) And according to one study, “an even larger proportion of people with OCD” may also have autism.

Is Neurodiversity a Risk Factor for Addiction?

Neurodiversity may increase the risk of addiction. One study found that Autistic people with average or above-average IQs were more than twice as likely to develop addictions. ((Butwicka, A., Långström, N., Larsson, H., Lundström, S., Serlachius, E., Almqvist, C., Frisén, L., & Lichtenstein, P. (2017). Increased risk for substance use-related problems in autism spectrum disorders: A population-based cohort study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(1), 80–89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2914-2)) The risk is even higher for people who are also ADHD. But neither autism or ADHD causes addiction. And no matter what your diagnosis, treatment can help.

If you are neurodivergent, you may encounter more stressors than most neurotypical people. These stressors can affect your mental health. They may even make you more vulnerable to addiction.

Environmental and Systemic Barriers

Neurodivergent people experience many barriers that can increase the risk of substance misuse. Doctors, mental health providers, educators, and other authority figures may underestimate your capabilities. Perhaps because of this, neurodivergent people have lower employment levels ((Das, M., Tang, J., Ringland, K. E., & Piper, A. M. (2021). Towards accessible remote work: Understanding work-from-home practices of neurodivergent professionals. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 5(CSCW1), 183:1-183:30. https://doi.org/10.1145/3449282)) than neurotypical people.

Trauma History

A history of trauma can be a major risk factor in the development of a substance use disorder. This is especially for neurodivergent people with more than one marginalized identity. People who experience systematic oppression may be more vulnerable to traumatic events.

Trauma history can also include relational traumas, like bullying and disconnection from caregivers. ((Gratton, F. V. (2019). Supporting transgender autistic youth and adults: A guide for professionals and families. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.)) Many neurotypical parents don’t know how to meet their neurodivergent children’s needs. Even if your parents had good intentions, you might have experienced childhood trauma.

Masking and Social Disconnection

Surrounded by enforced neurotypical norms, many neurodivergent people develop masking behaviors. ((Cook, J., Hull, L., Crane, L., & Mandy, W. (2021). Camouflaging in autism: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 89, 102080. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102080)) Masking is an adaptive response, in which people learn to hide neurodivergent characteristics. By appearing neurotypical, you may feel safer or get less negative feedback. For example, you might force yourself to make eye contact even when it feels painful. If you use these coping strategies often, you may or may not even realize that you’re masking. People with many forms of neurodivergence often show masking. ((Miller, D., Rees, J., & Pearson, A. (2021). “Masking is life”: Experiences of masking in autistic and nonautistic adults. Autism in Adulthood, 3(4), 330–338. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2020.0083)) This can be an especially important issue for people who are Autistic or ADHD.

A neurodivergent person might use these strategies to cope with certain social situations. For example, you may copy other people’s body language and facial expressions. You might also base your behavior off of social cues you learned from movies and books.

Finally, you might use assimilation strategies as a way to fit in with others. For example, you might force yourself to interact with others even when you feel burned out. On the other hand, you might avoid social settings completely.

Sensory Differences

Many neurodivergent people are easily distressed by both over- and under-stimulation. Either can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, and unhealthy coping strategies—like drug use. And once you start taking drugs, you might be especially vulnerable to addiction.

Some neurodivergent people have an especially high sensitivity to substances. You may also be less aware of their effects. This is because some neurodivergent people have differences in interoception ((Price, D. (2022). Unmasking autism: Discovering the new faces of neurodiversity. Harmony/Rodale.)) (body awareness).

These factors can combine to make addiction a common challenge among neurodivergent people. Jesse Meadows describes their experience of alcohol use and neurodivergence: ((Meadows, J. (2021, April 6). Alcohol: An autistic masking tool? Medium. https://jessemeadows.medium.com/alcohol-an-autistic-masking-tool-8aff572ca520))

“As a teenager, I could not deal with the school day sober, but despite being under some kind of influence on a daily basis, I also managed to get through it with average grades. In college, I drank heavily (among other substances), worked a job, took a full course load, and still somehow managed to make the Dean’s List every semester…

I didn’t consider that I was autistic because of alcohol, and I didn’t consider that I was an alcoholic because alcohol was not hindering my functioning — in many ways it was facilitating it. This is called ‘self-medication,’ and it’s something most people do with alcohol to some degree, although it seems to be somewhat different for autistic people.”

The Experience of Neurodiversity and Addiction

Many people develop addictions because it feels like drug use helps them socialize. This is true for both neurodivergent and neurotypical people. Drugs like ecstasy (MDMA) can also increase feelings of emotional connection.

In the right context, medication can be extremely helpful for people with neurodivergence. One study demonstrated that MDMA-assisted therapy can decrease social anxiety ((Danforth, A. L., Grob, C. S., Struble, C., Feduccia, A. A., Walker, N., Jerome, L., Yazar-Klosinski, B., & Emerson, A. (2018). Reduction in social anxiety after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with autistic adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Psychopharmacology, 235(11), 3137–3148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-018-5010-9)) in Autistic adults. Some neurodivergent people use substances, ((Price, D. (2022). Unmasking autism: Discovering the new faces of neurodiversity. Harmony/Rodale.)) including alcohol, to achieve these effects:

• dulled sensory sensitivities, and relief from sensory overwhelm
• courage in intimidating social situations
• relaxed inhibitions
• increased energy to get through a demanding world
• sensory stimulation
• entertainment for an anxious or preoccupied mind
• silencing the inner critic

There is a significant overlap between addiction and neurodivergence. Because of this, it’s important to find a rehab that can provide affirming care. Certain indicators can tell you whether a program is a good fit for you.

Signs of a Neurodiversity-Affirming Treatment Center

At a neurodiversity-affirming rehab, providers will advocate for you. The staff will listen to you, and accommodate as many of your needs as they can. For example, you might be able to adjust your room’s lighting so it’s not too bright or overstimulating. You should also be able to give feedback about the type of treatment you receive.

Physical Environment

Many neurodivergent people are very attuned to their surroundings. To be accessible, the physical space of a treatment center should take this into account. ((Hughes, J. (2016). Increasing Neurodiversity in Disability and Social Justice Advocacy Groups. Retrieved from http://autisticadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/whitepaper-Increasing-Neurodiversity-in-Disability-and-Social-Justice-Advocacy-Groups.pdf)) For example, rehab centers can offer some of these amenities:

• soft or natural lighting
• lighting accommodations (such as sunglasses)
• a quiet space with gentle white noise (such as a fan, white noise machine, or gentle music)
• a variety of sound accommodations (such as earplugs or headphones in several materials)
• a clean space with no strong or overpowering scents
• a variety of seating options, including different sizes, shapes, and textures
• a comfortable temperature, and ways to make adjust it (such as small fans and space heaters)
• blankets and sensory items (hand fidget toys, rings, chewy necklaces, etc.)

Treatment Program Format

You’ll feel most at ease and supported at a rehab with programming designed to be affirming. You’ll also be able to engage in treatment more fully and benefit as much as possible.

Here are some important aspects to look for in a neurodiversity-affirming treatment program: ((Wilson, S. (2017). How is counselling experienced by people with Asperger’s syndrome? : A qualitative study [Ph.D., University of the West of England]. https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/900983))

• Therapy goals center on your needs and your values.
• Support animals are welcome in the space.
• You can see an overview of what processes look like from intake to end of the program. This should tell you what to expect at each stage, and what you should bring with you or how to prepare.
• The team asks how you communicate best (ex. speech, text or writing based, or symbolic or graphic), and invites you to communicate in that way.
  You have the freedom to stand, change your position, or leave to take breaks during sessions.
• Therapists are willing to slow down or pause to make sure you have enough time to process.
• You have the option to meditate and do deep breathing exercises.
• You can use a consistent structure and session agenda, if you find that helpful.
• Providers regularly check in about your comfort with pacing and speed of sessions.
• You can access printed or recorded copies of any homework assigned between sessions.

When you’re first starting recovery, these adjustments can make all the difference. Remember that, as you select a rehab program, you have the right to ask for what you need. That may include certain approaches to treatment, types of therapy, or other resources.

Selecting a Treatment Approach as a Neurodivergent Person

There’s a great deal of variation under the umbrella of neurodiversity. Even within a single neurotype, certain therapies may be a good fit for some people, and not for others. In rehab, you’ll work with a team of providers to find the treatments that work best for you.

Occupational Therapy

During addiction recovery, a focus on sensory needs is key. This helps neurodivergent people practice self-regulation through healthy coping strategies. ((Meadows, J. (2021, April 6). Alcohol: An autistic masking tool? Medium. https://jessemeadows.medium.com/alcohol-an-autistic-masking-tool-8aff572ca520)) Jesse Meadows shares their thoughts on what has worked for them:

“What’s really helped me need less alcohol are sensory-based techniques — designing a ‘sensory diet’ ((musingsofanaspie. (2014, February 18). Sensory diet. Musings of an Aspie. https://musingsofanaspie.com/2014/02/18/sensory-diet/)) for myself, understanding what triggers and what soothes, and setting up my life in a way that accommodates my needs.”

For example, Meadows limits the time they spend masking. This helps them navigate triggers and cravings.

Community-Based Group Therapy

During recovery, you can work against shame by connecting with other neurodivergent people. ((Price, D. (2022). Unmasking autism: Discovering the new faces of neurodiversity. Harmony/Rodale.)) This is a crucial part of healing. In these community spaces, you can learn to unmask in a way that makes sense for you. It can be helpful to do this around people who share some part of your experience.

Devon Price, an Autistic social psychologist and the author of Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity, ((Price, D. (2022). Unmasking autism: Discovering the new faces of neurodiversity. Harmony/Rodale.)) dreams of how these relationships can change the world:

“I want Autistic people to experience less shame about who they are, and to learn to take off the restrictive masks that have trapped us for decades. The first step to unmasking is accepting who you are, and finding others with similar experiences. You don’t need a piece of paper from an assessor to begin to do that.”

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) ((RMT, J. M., PhD, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, REAT, & MFT, S. D., PsyD. (2021). Healing addiction with emdr therapy: A trauma-focused guide. Springer Publishing Company.)) can help you reconnect with your body. Sessions can decrease the intensity of your physical response to triggers. This approach is especially helpful for people with a history of trauma.

Less Effective Treatments

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be highly effective—for neurotypical patients. But, data shows that CBT can be far less effective for Autistic people. ((Price, D. (2022). Unmasking autism: Discovering the new faces of neurodiversity. Harmony/Rodale.)) When providers are first taught how to communicate with Autistic people, the CBT they offered is more likely to help with addiction recovery.

Most importantly, any program that requires you to mask or work toward neurotypical goals that you don’t value will not be a good fit. The important thing is to find a rehab whose values align with your own. In an affirming environment, you’ll get support from providers who view you as the expert in your own needs.

Embrace Healing as a Neurodivergent Person

In this neurotypical world, many things aren’t set up in a way that works for neurodivergent people. Because of this, you might not trust healthcare providers to understand what you need. And that can make the idea of getting help feel stressful and confusing.

The right rehab program won’t ask you to change to fit in. Instead, your team should be sensitive to your needs, and willing to support you in any way they can.

When you’re ready to start addiction recovery, you have the right to accessible, affirming treatment. Connect with a rehab that specializes in neurodiversity to get your questions answered.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

Women face a unique set of mental health concerns. And due to societal pressures, they may also encounter barriers to treatment. For example, some women feel unsafe or uncomfortable around men. Because of this, it can be hard for them to start recovery in a mixed-gender environment. In order to accommodate this demographic, some facilities offer women-only rehab programs.

Gender-specific rehab is a protected space. Surrounded by people who share some part of your experience, you can build deep connections with your cohort. In this context, many women feel more comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings they wouldn’t discuss elsewhere.

For some women, these programs are the best possible way to begin healing. However, they’re not always the right fit. And gender itself isn’t a simple thing.

Defining Gender

There’s an important distinction between gender and biological sex. ((Sex and gender: Meanings, definition, identity, and expression. (2021, May 11). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363)) The term “sex” usually refers to a person’s biology—or at least, observations about their biology. “​​A person typically has their sex assigned at birth based on physiological characteristics, including their genitalia and chromosome composition.”

Gender, however, is far more complex. In fact, gender is sometimes considered a “social construct,” ((Winter, G. F. (2015). Determining gender: A social construct? Community Practitioner, 88(2), 15–18. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&issn=14622815&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA436234780&sid=googleScholar&linkaccess=abs)) related to, but not identical to, sex. It encompasses a set of social norms, roles, and expectations assigned to people who present in traditionally feminine or masculine ways.

In the U.S., for example, many people assume that it’s feminine to wear makeup to work, and masculine to wear a suit. As time goes on, these norms are starting to shift. However, a person’s assigned and/or affirmed gender continues to impact their mental health and access to medical care.

Gender and Health

In some cases, gender norms can be incredibly affirming. Some women feel empowered by wearing high heels every day—and that’s wonderful! But these norms are often enforced too strictly, without consideration for the wants and needs of individual people.

This harsh rigidity can harm people of all genders. That includes women, men, intersex people, nonbinary people, a-gender people, and everyone else. It’s all too common for patients to feel like they’ve been forced into roles that feel inauthentic, or excluded from spaces where they might belong.

For women, in particular, gender can have a direct impact on health. Women face disproportionate levels of interpersonal violence, including domestic violence ((Domestic Violence. (2020). National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/domestic_violence-2020080709350855.pdf?1596828650457)) and sexual assault. ((Statistics. (n.d.). National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Retrieved March 30, 2022, from https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics)) The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that “gender inequality and discrimination faced by women and girls puts their health and well-being at risk.” ((Gender and health. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2022, from https://www.who.int/westernpacific/health-topics/gender)) That risk is not only physical; it also impacts women’s mental health. And substance use disorders are a mental health issue.

Women and Substance Use Disorders

Historically, research has shown that women have lower rates of substance misuse than men. ((McHugh, R. K., Votaw, V. R., Sugarman, D. E., & Greenfield, S. F. (2018). Sex and gender differences in substance use disorders. Clinical Psychology Review, 66, 12–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2017.10.012)) But the gap is narrowing. According to research conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 7.2 million women had substance use disorders in 2019. ((Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Women.)) Of those women, 4.6 million also had a mental illness.

As with any statistic, these numbers only reflect reported cases. Because of the inherent gender bias in medicine, ((Burrowes, K. (n.d.). Gender bias in medicine and medical research is still putting women’s health at risk. The Conversation. Retrieved from http://theconversation.com/gender-bias-in-medicine-and-medical-research-is-still-putting-womens-health-at-risk-156495)) there may be many more cases. Women are routinely misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed with a host of conditions, from fibromyalgia to heart disease. Regardless of their prevalence, women experience a unique set of issues related to substance use disorders.

Vulnerability to Addiction

After first using illicit substances, women may be more vulnerable to addiction. ((Becker, J. B., McClellan, M. L., & Reed, B. G. (2017). Sex differences, gender and addiction. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 95(1–2), 136–147. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.23963)) Some data suggests that “women tend to progress more rapidly than men from initial experience” to developing serious substance use disorders. More research is needed on the subject, but experts wonder whether this is due to a difference in neurochemistry or social norms.

Women may also develop substance use disorders as a result of medical treatment for other conditions. As the opioid epidemic ((Opioid Addiction 2016 Facts & Figures. (2016). American Society of Addiction Medicine. https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/opioid-addiction-disease-facts-figures.pdf)) continues, this is a growing concern for patients who take prescription painkillers. “Women are more likely to have chronic pain, be prescribed prescription pain relievers, be given higher doses, and use them for longer time periods than men. Women may become dependent on prescription pain relievers more quickly than men.”

This trend is especially concerning because of the relationship between addiction and chronic pain. Nearly ⅓ of people with chronic pain may also have substance use disorders. ((Managing Chronic Pain in Adults With or in Recovery From Substance Use Disorders. (n.d.). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.))

Co-Occurring Disorders

Chronic physical pain is just one of many conditions related to substance misuse. Other co-occurring disorders may also lead to addiction. People with mental illness are more likely to experience a substance use disorder than those not affected by a mental illness.

Co-occurring disorders are just what they sound like—multiple diagnoses that are experienced by one patient. Most often, this term refers to mental health conditions. And women in recovery ((Women in recovery. (n.d.). Recovery Research Institute. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://www.recoveryanswers.org/resource/women-in-recovery/)) may be at a higher risk for developing these concerns. Data shows that “women are more prone to depression, anxiety, and eating disorders than men. Almost 2x as many women experience depression as men.”

These numbers may partly be related to women’s high risk of experiencing interpersonal violence. According to experts, “Women who have gone through abuse or other trauma ((Abuse, trauma, and mental health | Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/abuse-trauma-and-mental-health)) have a higher risk of developing a mental health condition.”

Trauma

Women are at an increased risk of many types of interpersonal violence, including sexual assault. Statistics show that 20% of women in the U.S. have have experienced rape. For women in recovery from substance use disorders, ((Women in recovery. (n.d.). Recovery Research Institute. Retrieved February 11, 2022, from https://www.recoveryanswers.org/resource/women-in-recovery/)) that number is estimated to be more than 70%.

This is likely because sexual assault increases the risk of substance abuse. ((Resnick, H. S., Acierno, R., Amstadter, A. B., & Self-Brown, S. (2007). An acute post-sexual assault intervention to prevent drug abuse: Updated Findings. Addictive Behaviors, 32(10), 2032–2045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2007.01.001)) Addiction may develop in an attempt to “ameliorate post-assault distress,” as survivors try to self-medicate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Survivors are often isolated by the stigma of sexual violence. ((Schmitt, S., Robjant, K., Elbert, T., & Koebach, A. (2021). To add insult to injury: Stigmatization reinforces the trauma of rape survivors – Findings from the DR Congo. SSM – Population Health, 13, 100719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2020.100719)) Women who have been raped “are frequently condemned and socially excluded” when they seek help. Without adequate social support or medical attention, substance use may feel like the best way to treat mental health symptoms.

Stigma of Addiction

Like sexual trauma, substance use disorders are extremely stigmatized. ((Abuse, N. I. on D. (2020, April 22). Addressing the stigma that surrounds addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2020/04/addressing-stigma-surrounds-addiction)) Researchers believe this is a greater issue for women than people of other genders. This may be the “result of their traditional societal roles as gatekeepers, mothers, caregivers, and often the central organizing factor in their family units.”

Stigma prevents women with substance use disorders from receiving support, ((Kulesza, M., Larimer, M. E., & Rao, D. (2013). Substance use related stigma: What we know and the way forward. Journal of Addictive Behaviors, Therapy & Rehabilitation, 2(2), 782. https://doi.org/10.4172/2324-9005.1000106)) but it also affects self-image. Results from one study “​​suggest that ‘proneness to shame’ (conceptually similar to self-stigma) was higher among women who use drugs than among men who use drugs.” This self-stigma can be a barrier to treatment, ((Hammarlund, R., Crapanzano, K., Luce, L., Mulligan, L., & Ward, K. (2018). Review of the effects of self-stigma and perceived social stigma on the treatment-seeking decisions of individuals with drug- and alcohol-use disorders. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 9, 115–136. https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S183256)) because it causes a perceived “​​need for secrecy” about both substance use and the recovery process.

Recovery and Withdrawal

When women seek recovery from some types of substance misuse, ((Becker, J. B., McClellan, M. L., & Reed, B. G. (2017). Sex differences, gender and addiction. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 95(1–2), 136–147. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.23963)) they may experience “more severe withdrawal than men.” This is not universally true; it depends on which substance the patient was using, and the severity of their addiction. For example, men healing from alcohol abuse usually have more severe withdrawal symptoms than women.

Women and men also exhibit different levels of susceptibility to relapse. One study found that although there was a “lack of gender differences in alcohol relapse rates, ((Walitzer, K. S., & Dearing, R. L. (2006). Gender differences in alcohol and substance use relapse. Clinical Psychology Review, 26(2), 128–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2005.11.003)) women appear less likely to experience relapse to substance use, relative to men.” However, women with relationship problems were more vulnerable to relapse.

Because of these concerns, marriage is a risk factor for relapse among women ((Walitzer, K. S., & Dearing, R. L. (2006). Gender differences in alcohol and substance use relapse. Clinical Psychology Review, 26(2), 128–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2005.11.003)) in recovery. If you’re already in a relationship when you begin healing, it can be helpful to take some space and focus on your own mental health. And if not, you may benefit from attending rehab in a protected environment, like a gender-specific program. Even if you’re attracted to people of your own gender, this experience may set the tone for a more sustainable recovery.

Benefits of Women’s Rehab

In any type of affinity group, people come together with a common understanding of each other’s identities. This is true for book clubs, knitting circles, and hiking meetups. It’s also true for gender-specific rehab.

Surrounded by people with a shared experience of gender, many patients report feeling safe. These cohorts provide women with substance use disorders ((Information, N. C. for B., Pike, U. S. N. L. of M. 8600 R., MD, B., & Usa, 20894. (2009). 7 substance abuse treatment for women. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK83257/)) “more freedom to talk about difficult topics such as abuse and relationship issues and to focus on themselves rather than on the men in the group.”

According to Dr. Campbell Leaper, a professor of Psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, “‘Men tend to be more talkative than women, ((published, A. T. (2007, November 29). Men talk more than women. Livescience.Com. https://www.livescience.com/7420-men-talk-women.html)) but particularly when they’re interacting in mixed-gender settings.’” He explains that this may be “a result of men traditionally being socialized to dominate.” Because of this dynamic, women sometimes struggle to voice their opinions in mixed-gender settings. The issue may be less apparent in women-only groups, including treatment programs.

By removing these stressors, women can put more energy into their own recovery, and less into navigating the dynamics of a mixed-gender group. And women who are attracted to men may face fewer distractions during treatment. These factors can greatly benefit some patients, but they are not universally necessary.

Limitations of Women’s Rehab

Although available data “supports same-sex groups as being more beneficial than mix-gender groups for women,” experts note that more research is needed. Many published studies on the subject fall short in their efforts to compare women’s rehab to mixed-gender treatment. ((Information, N. C. for B., Pike, U. S. N. L. of M. 8600 R., MD, B., & Usa, 20894. (2009). 7 substance abuse treatment for women. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK83257/))

While many women feel safer among other women, some prefer a different dynamic. If you struggle to trust people of your own gender, then this type of treatment might not be the right fit. Gender is just one aspect of identity.

Different rehab centers define “gender” in different ways. And some women’s-only rehab programs may not be accepting of trans women, gender non-conforming women, and others with non-cis identities. If you’re concerned about finding LGBTQ+ affirming care, it’s absolutely vital that you talk to the admissions team before enrolling in any program. Ideally, rehab should be a place where you feel supported, safe, and ready to begin healing.

Is Women’s Rehab Right for you?

In any residential rehab experience, it’s important to focus on your own personal healing journey. And no matter who makes up your cohort, that journey will be complex, sometimes painful, and unique to you. When you’re ready to choose a program, it’s important to prioritize your needs. What would make you feel safe? What would make you feel supported? What feels right?

For some patients, women’s-only rehab is the best way to begin healing. That’s certainly not true for everyone. But in the process of making that decision, you can learn a lot about yourself. And that, too, is an important part of recovery.

If you’re interested in attending a gender-specific program, you can learn more about rehabs with specialized programs for women here.