Tag: Women

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Perinatal Mental Health: 5 Factors That Affect How You Feel Post-Birth

Bringing a new life into the world, or even just anticipating its arrival, is often described as a joyous time. Yet, for many, this perinatal period is also marked by complex, sometimes overwhelming, emotions that can feel isolating and confusing. 

If you are experiencing feelings that contradict the narrative of constant happiness, please know that you are not alone. Your experiences are valid, and countless others share similar struggles.

What Is Perinatal Mental Health?

Perinatal mental health refers to your emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. It encompasses a wide range of experiences, from the common “baby blues” to more severe and persistent mental health disorders. 

Essentially, it’s about how you feel, think, and cope as you navigate the profound changes of parenthood. It acknowledges that this period is not just physically transformative but also deeply impacts maternal mental health.

Health care providers now recognize that untreated perinatal mental health conditions, such as perinatal depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even postpartum psychosis, can affect both parents’ and children’s health.

Why Is It So Important to Talk About This Now?

For too long, patients suffered in silence. Today, we understand that addressing perinatal mental health is crucial for several reasons:

  • It directly impacts maternal health and overall well-being.
  • It influences your baby’s development, pediatric outcomes, and family harmony.
  • Evidence-based interventions help you access mental health care, heal, and thrive.

By talking about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), clinicians, mental health professionals, and organizations like Postpartum Support International (PSI) are helping to reduce stigma and increase awareness.

Navigating the Perinatal Period: What to Expect

The “perinatal period” begins with conception, continues throughout pregnancy, and lasts through the postpartum period—up to the first year after birth. This time involves rapid physical and psychological change. You are not expected to simply “bounce back.” Recovery and adjustment take time, and support is essential.

The Spectrum of Emotions: Beyond “Baby Blues”

The “baby blues” are common in the early postnatal days but typically pass quickly. If sadness, anxiety, or guilt persist beyond two weeks or interfere with daily functioning, depression screening tools may reveal more serious conditions such as perinatal depression or postpartum depression.

Common Perinatal Mental Health Conditions You Might Experience

During the perinatal period, patients may experience a range of mental health conditions that vary in severity. Some, like perinatal depression or anxiety, are relatively common, while others, such as postpartum psychosis, are rare but require urgent care. 

Here is a list of common perinatal conditions that are medical—not personal failings—and they are treatable with the right support. 

Perinatal Depression

Perinatal depression2 includes both antenatal (during pregnancy) and postpartum depression (after birth). Symptoms include sadness, hopelessness, guilt, loss of interest, and fatigue. Depression screening during obstetrics and gynecology visits, or through pediatrics in the first year, is a critical initiative supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Perinatal Anxiety

Excessive worry that disrupts daily life is common in pregnant or postpartum women.3 Psychotherapy, social support, and behavioral health interventions can help manage this increased risk.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Perinatal OCD4 involves distressing, intrusive thoughts about harm coming to the baby. Compulsions, such as checking or cleaning, may follow. Screening tools help clinicians distinguish between normal new-parent worries and OCD.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Birth Trauma

Difficult or frightening birth experiences can result in PTSD.5 Patients may experience flashbacks, nightmares, or avoidance of reminders of the birth experience. Peer support groups, psychotherapy, and trauma-focused treatment options are effective interventions.

Bipolar Disorder in the Perinatal Period

Pregnant women or postpartum women with a history of bipolar disorder face an increased risk of relapse.6 Collaboration with psychiatry and health care providers is essential for safe, evidence-based treatment options.

Postpartum Psychosis

This rare but urgent mental illness may begin in the first weeks of the postpartum period. Postpartum psychosis is considered a psychiatric emergency.7 If you experience hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia, seek out immediate psychiatric care; you may need hospitalization in an outpatient or inpatient setting.

Factors That Influence Perinatal Mental Health

1. Biological: Hormonal Changes, Sleep Deprivation, and Physical Recovery

Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring dramatic hormonal fluctuations.8 Estrogen and progesterone levels rise during pregnancy and fall rapidly after birth, contributing to mood instability and increased risk for perinatal depression and anxiety. Physical recovery from childbirth, chronic sleep deprivation, and pain can also worsen emotional well-being.

2. Psychological: Identity Shifts, Perfectionism, and the Pressure to “Do It All”

Becoming a parent involves profound identity changes.9 Patients often face internal and external pressure to be a “perfect” parent, which can heighten stress and increase vulnerability to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Unrealistic expectations, combined with previous experiences of low self-esteem or unresolved trauma, may amplify psychological distress.

3. Social: Lack of Social Support, Financial Strain, or Poor Birth Experience

Social support is one of the strongest protective factors10 for maternal mental health. When patients lack practical or emotional support from partners, family, or community, they are at greater risk of depression and anxiety. Stressors such as financial hardship, unstable housing, or a negative birth experience (including obstetric complications or perceived lack of respectful care) can further increase risk.

4. History: Past Trauma or Mental Health Disorders Increase Vulnerability

Patients with a personal or family history of mental health disorders11—such as depression, bipolar disorder, or PTSD—face an increased risk of perinatal relapse or new episodes. Past trauma, including childhood adversity or birth trauma, can resurface during pregnancy and the postpartum period, making screening tools and early interventions essential.

Maternal Health and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders can overlap with perinatal mental health conditions, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Pregnant women with untreated substance use12 face barriers to seeking care due to stigma, legal concerns, and fear of losing custody. Integrated behavioral health programs that address both substance use and mental health conditions improve outcomes for maternal health and child health.

Taking the First Step: How to Seek Help

Talk to Health Care Providers

Your obstetrics, gynecology, or pediatrics team is often your first line of support. Clinicians may use depression screening or other tools to identify perinatal mental health conditions. From there, they can provide a referral to psychiatry, psychotherapy, or other mental health professionals. Medicaid and private insurance often cover these services.

Build Social Support

Support groups, peer support programs, and online communities can offer connection and reduce feelings of isolation. Organizations like PSI offer toolkits, webinars, and initiatives that connect postpartum women and pregnant women to help.

Explore Treatment Options

Evidence-based interventions include psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy), medication management, and peer support. Outpatient care and integrated behavioral health programs ensure access to comprehensive treatment options.

Empower Yourself: Practical Strategies for Well-Being

  • Prioritize self-care during the first year after childbirth.
  • Set realistic expectations to ease pressure.
  • Connect with social support networks for encouragement.
  • Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques for calm.
  • Explore individualized treatment options to get the help you need and deserve.

Remember, You Deserve Support

Perinatal mental health conditions are common and treatable. With the right care—whether through psychiatry, psychotherapy, peer support, or community initiatives—you can recover. 

If you are struggling, remember: seeking help is not weakness. It is a step toward healing for both you and your child. Support is waiting for you.

Ready to Find Help?

If you or someone you love is experiencing perinatal mental health challenges, you don’t have to face them alone. Recovery.com connects you with qualified mental health professionals, support groups, and treatment options designed for this critical stage.

Find compassionate, evidence-based perinatal mental health treatment near you.

FAQs

Q: What are the two most common perinatal mental health conditions?

A: The two most common conditions are perinatal depression (including postpartum depression) and perinatal anxiety. Together, these perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) affect up to 1 in 5 patients during pregnancy13 and the postpartum period.

Q: What are red flags in perinatal mental health?


A: Red flags include persistent sadness, overwhelming anxiety, loss of interest in daily life, intrusive or obsessive thoughts, difficulty bonding with your baby, or thoughts of harming yourself or your child. Immediate support from health care providers is essential if these symptoms appear.

Q: What is the difference between perinatal and maternal mental health?

A: Perinatal mental health focuses on emotional well-being during pregnancy through the first year after birth. Maternal mental health is a broader term that refers to mental health throughout motherhood, beyond the perinatal period.

Q: What is the difference between prenatal and perinatal?

A: Prenatal refers only to the time before birth (during pregnancy). Perinatal includes the entire pregnancy plus the postpartum period, extending through your baby’s first year.

Q: How can I find help for perinatal depression?

A: Talk to your obstetrician, gynecologist, pediatrician, or another health care provider. They can use screening tools, provide referrals, and recommend evidence-based treatment options such as psychotherapy, medication, or peer support.

Q: Does brief psychotherapy with distressed pregnant women benefit mother and baby?

A: Yes. Research shows that brief psychotherapy interventions during pregnancy can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve maternal well-being, and positively influence infant outcomes, including bonding and development.

Q: How does perinatal mental health affect babies and toddlers?

A: A parent’s mental health can influence child development, attachment, and emotional regulation. Early interventions and strong social support help protect babies and toddlers from negative impacts.

Q: What are the signs of perinatal anxiety and depression?

A: Signs include constant worry, sadness, irritability, fatigue, sleep changes, intrusive thoughts, or feeling disconnected from your baby. These symptoms may appear during pregnancy or in the postpartum period.

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of perinatal anxiety?

A: Perinatal anxiety may include restlessness, racing thoughts, panic attacks, physical tension, and excessive fears about your baby’s health or your parenting abilities. Unlike normal worry, these symptoms are persistent and interfere with daily life.

Q: How can partners support someone experiencing perinatal mental health issues?

A: Partners can provide practical help (like household tasks or childcare), encourage open conversations, offer emotional reassurance, and attend health care or support group appointments together. Peer support and education through initiatives like Postpartum Support International can also empower families.

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Why Women Face Unique Risks From Alcohol Addiction

Women experience alcohol addiction differently than men! You might start drinking for different reasons, engage in different behaviors, and face different consequences. Rehabs that offer women-only treatment address those differences head-on. They put your addiction into the context of your life experience as a woman. These supportive communities provide a safe place for you to begin healing.

Understanding Alcohol Addiction in Women

Studies show that alcohol addiction among women is on the rise.1 While drinking can be a problem for people of every gender, it has pronounced risks for women. For example, women have higher rates than men of emergency room visits due to alcohol use. This could be because cis women tend to be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.

Why Alcohol Affects Women Differently Than Men

While men are at a higher risk of alcohol addiction, women are more likely to face alcohol-related problems, even when they drink less than men.

This is partly because of differences in size and metabolism. On average, women are physically smaller and weigh less than men. If both a smaller and a bigger person drink the same amount of alcohol, the smaller person’s blood alcohol concentration will be higher. They’ll feel more drunk and be more likely to experience hangovers or blackouts.

Even for men and women of the same size, hormonal differences contribute to the increased effects of alcohol on women.2 Because sex hormones are part of brain chemistry, they can directly affect the way your body responds to alcohol.

Societal and Cultural Factors in Women’s Drinking Behaviors

As a legal substance, alcohol is often socially acceptable. But social pressures can change the way people—and especially women—choose to drink. For example, women are more likely than men to drink in secret,3 which can prolong their addiction.

Women are also more likely to experience traumatic events4 like physical or sexual assault. And it’s very common for survivors of sexual and physical violence to use alcohol5 to cope with traumatic memories and distress.

While it’s socially acceptable for men to express negative feelings, women are expected to internalize stress,6 depression, and anger. This makes women more likely to use drinking as a coping mechanism.

Alcohol’s Effect on Women’s Mental Health

Alcohol affects everyone’s mental health, but women with alcohol addiction face a higher risk of developing certain diagnoses:7

  • Mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety disorders like panic disorder and social anxiety disorder
  • Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)

We need more data to understand whether alcohol addiction causes mental health problems, or vice versa. Either way, there’s a strong link between these issues.

The Impact of Alcohol Addiction on Women’s Physical and Reproductive Health

Women are more likely to develop physical health problems8 from alcohol addiction:

  • Liver disease, including alcohol-related hepatitis. This can lead to permanent liver scarring (cirrhosis), a serious and life-threatening condition.
  • Heart disease
  • Brain damage, especially for women who began drinking heavily as teenagers.
  • Memory loss, including blackouts while drinking and permanent memory loss
  • Breast cancer

Alcohol addiction also affects women’s reproductive health. Studies show that heavy drinking may decrease your chances of getting pregnant.9 Conversely, women who face infertility issues are more likely to drink heavily in response to unsuccessful attempts.

If you do get pregnant, alcohol is not safe in any amount during pregnancy.10 Drinking while breastfeeding can also pose a risk.1 But studies show that while not drinking is the safest option, moderate drinking and waiting 2 hours before nursing can reduce harm to the baby. Heavily drinking and nursing right away can harm your baby’s development, growth, and sleep health. Plus, high alcohol consumption can decrease milk production and limit your ability to breastfeed.

Challenges of Alcohol Addiction as a Woman

In Western culture, women addicted to alcohol face certain unique challenges, which may impact the way you approach treatment. Each of these challenges can get more extreme due to the overwhelming social stigma against women with alcohol addiction.

Increased Risk of Violence and Sexual Assault

Drinking alcohol as a woman increases your risk of experiencing violence.12 Data shows that for survivors of domestic violence, this is more related to your abuser’s drinking than your own. That’s because women with addiction are more likely to be in relationships with other people who also have addiction. Women with alcohol addiction face a lower risk of violence when they have partners without addiction.

Drinking is also risk factor for sexual assault.13 That’s true whether the perpetrator or the survivor has been drinking. Perpetrators purposely target women who are drinking heavily because they’re more vulnerable. This can also lead to and victim-blaming and stigma against survivors of sexual assault. It’s important to remember that regardless of your drinking, you are never responsible for someone else’s choice to commit violence.

This stigma against women who drink while pregnant14 is even stronger. This stigma often leads to blame and shame rather than support and care, particularly affecting marginalized groups.

Public health messaging often emphasizes the risks of any alcohol consumption during pregnancy, which, despite scientific uncertainties, has contributed to a culture of blame. This culture disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, including women of color and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Such stigma can deter women from seeking prenatal care or being honest with healthcare providers, potentially exacerbating health risks for both mother and child.

Barriers to Treatment for Women

Social stigma has very real consequences. Women are less likely to receive treatment15 for alcohol addiction than men. In addition, women face many more barriers to alcohol addiction treatment:16

    • Fear of legal consequences
    • Concern about childcare and children, including worrying about losing them
    • Feelings of guilt, denial, and shame
    • Difficulty receiving referral from primary care physician
    • Lack of independent financial resources or insurance coverage to pay for treatment
    • Social acceptance of certain women’s drinking behaviors like #winemom culture17

A lack of community support can make recovery that much harder. If you can’t get the help you need from your loved ones, you might have more success in residential rehab.

Treatment Options for Women With Alcohol Addiction

Gender-specific addiction treatment18 accounts for the unique needs of women with addiction. These programs have some priorities you might not find in other rehabs:

  • Emphasizing the importance of social relationships in women’s health
  • Acknowledging how gender roles and societal expectations of women affect addiction
  • Accounting for the different experiences of people with intersectional identities including women of color, women with lower socioeconomic status, pregnant women and mothers
  • Actively preventing the exploitation of women by having higher security protocols
  • Addressing common issues for women in treatment by offering childcare and trauma-informed care when possible

Women-Only Support Groups and Therapy Sessions

By the time they begin treatment for alcohol addiction, many women have a history of trauma at the hands of men. That might make mixed-gender group therapy sessions intimidating. Women-only groups can feel a lot safer.

Women are more likely to actively participate in group sessions without men. And that’s not just because single-gender groups feel safer. Data also shows that men often dominate group conversations. This can make it difficult for women to get the support they need in group settings.

Generally, women in recovery have positive experiences in women-only group therapy19 sessions. And women-only groups are also more likely to be more accommodating to the specific needs of women in treatment. For example, the schedule may account for women’s work and family responsibilities by avoiding busy times like school pick-up.

Trauma-Informed Care for Women in Recovery

Most women seeking treatment for alcohol addiction have experienced trauma.20 Trauma-informed care (TIC) recognizes how trauma affects addiction, recovery, and other parts of your life.

In TIC, your care team pays special attention to your unique triggers, needs, and boundaries. For example, you can call for a break during a therapy session or a physical exam. You may also have access to trauma-specific therapies like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) or exposure therapy.

Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorder Treatment

More than men, women addicted to alcohol are at risk for co-occurring mental health issues.21 So alcohol treatment programs for women usually address issues like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) head-on.

In a rehabs that specializes in co-occurring disorders, your treatment plan will account for your complex recovery goals. Simultaneous treatment is the most effective option22 for people with alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. In these programs, you’ll have access to a range of therapy methods:

Addiction Medications for Women

Medication is another treatment option for women recovering from alcohol addiction.23 The 3 most common medications are disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate. And while they can be effective for both men and women, there are some differences. For example, studies show that naltrexone is more effective for men than women. It also depends on whether you have a co-occurring diagnosis.

Very little research exists about the safety of these medications for pregnant women.24 Some studies show that disulfiram may cause serious harm to a fetus, while acamprosate and naltrexone appear to be relatively safe. However, the lack of research makes it hard to predict the effects of these drugs.

If you’re interested in medications for alcohol addiction, talk to your doctor about your options. They’ll consider your mental health history, physical health and more to make the safest decision.

Benefits of Gender-Specific Treatment for Women

Studies show that gender-specific treatment is the most effective option25 for women recovering from alcohol addiction:

  • Women are more likely to engage with gender-specific treatment.
  • Secondary outcomes are also better, including social, mental, and physical health.
  • Women-only treatment has fewer barriers like fear of judgment, concerns about safety, and practical matters like childcare.

Gender-specific programs address the specific challenges women face while recovering from alcohol addiction. And being surrounded by other women on a similar journey means you’ll have a safe and supportive community. You won’t have to justify yourself to anyone, which can be incredibly empowering.

Amy R., a member of Women for Sobriety, explains that attending a women-only support group, “is deeply, personally empowering!26 I can bare my soul here, and I am continually supported and uplifted, not judged. This collective of women’s wisdom has become my ‘tribe.’ We are greater together than the sum of our parts.”

Everyone deserves an empowering, validating experience in recovery—including women with alcohol addiction. Search rehabs for women to find the type of treatment you need.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Gender Differences in Substance Abuse

People of every gender experience addiction. But most of the available data focuses on men. Fortunately, scientists are starting to expand their research to include other genders. And a growing body of work shows gender differences in substance abuse and addiction.

Rehab can be very effective when the treatment plan puts you first. Gender-specific treatment programs make you the main priority while acknowledging the impact gender has on recovery.

Differences in Addiction Between Women and Men

Being male or female can affect the biological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. For example, men have higher rates of alcohol and illicit drug use.1 However, both men and women are equally vulnerable to developing one of these conditions. 

As we learn more about gender and addiction, it’s important to note the gaps in scientific research. We need more information about people of every gender—not just cis men and cis women. The data we have points to stark differences between just these 2 groups of people. 

Understanding the impact of your gender on addiction can also help you approach recovery. With that in mind, some rehabs focus on gender differences in substance use disorders. These programs often treat people of different genders separately. 

Impacts of Gender on Substance Abuse

Drug and alcohol addiction goes beyond your emotional experience. It also reflects your relationships, social standing, and family dynamics. Many of these issues relate to gender. Anything from hormones to peer pressure can play a role in the onset and treatment of addiction.

For example, we now know that women’s biological characteristics— like fertility and menopause—can influence drug use. Addiction’s physical effects2 are often more profound in women, and they may develop addiction more quickly.

Because social pressures affect addiction, women and men often have different reasons for drug use. Many women report using drugs to control their weight, fight the exhaustion of providing childcare, or cope with domestic violence. 

Today’s gender roles aren’t as rigid as they once were, but these pressures still exist for many people. Western culture, for instance, pushes men to be providers and women to be caretakers. Understanding how gender roles affect your specific type of addiction can help you plan for recovery.

Alcohol

Men typically have higher rates of alcohol use.3 This might be because of peer pressure, or because they face a severe lack of emotional support. To work through these issues, you might consider a rehab for men. These programs help you connect with people who share both your gender and your experience of addiction. 

While men may be more vulnerable to alcohol use, its social impact on women is still severe. Data shows that alcohol addiction increases women’s risk of intimate partner violence.4 If you’re healing from this type of trauma, it might be easier to talk about your experience among people of your own gender.

Some rehabs for women offer trauma-informed care. These specialized programs can help you work through triggers while you recover from addiction and mental health issues. You can also connect with other women who have survived similar events. Building relationships with them can be empowering and validating.

Stimulants

Some effects of stimulant addiction are the same for both men and women. These drugs make it hard for anyone to concentrate and learn new things. Even short-term use can interfere with your academic achievement. But in some biological ways, men and women experience this addiction very differently.

Estrogen makes women more physically sensitive to stimulants. As a result, these drugs can put more stress on a woman’s blood vessels and heart. However, men are at a greater risk for resulting neurological issues. 

There are also differences between men’s and women’s social reasons for stimulant use. Many women report using stimulants to boost their energy levels so they can keep up with work and family commitments. Addressing those problems may help women recover. Men’s reasons for stimulant use5 are rarely so specific. As a result, it can be hard for men to define the root cause of their addiction.

Opioids

Opioids function as painkillers, and data shows that male and female bodies experience pain differently. This may explain some of the differences in how men and women develop opioid addiction.

Studies show women are more sensitive to pain than men, and more likely to have chronic pain. Perhaps as a result, doctors prescribe more opioid medications for women6 than men. This makes it easier for women to access these drugs. Women report using opioids to cope with both physical pain and emotional issues like anxiety. This behavior can quickly lead to addiction.

When it comes to illicit drugs, like heroin, men may be at a higher risk of addiction and overdose. Women who use these drugs tend to use smaller amounts for shorter periods of time. However, women are more likely to use heroin because of their partners.

In rehab for opioid addiction, men and women may have different recovery goals. For example, women might need to find new ways to manage chronic pain. And men who have been using drugs for a longer time may need to make lasting changes to their support networks.

Marijuana

Marijuana is a common way to self-medicate co-occurring disorders, like depression or anxiety. But like most substances, it comes with a risk of addiction. 

Men and women who use cannabis have similar rates of co-occurring disorders. However, men are more vulnerable to marijuana addiction than women. Men also report more severe symptoms of cannabis addiction and withdrawal.7 

On the other hand, data suggests that marijuana has a greater impact on women’s brains.8 It can even change the way teen girls’ brains develop—more than it does for boys of the same age. Both gender-specific and age-specific rehab programs can address the complexities of this addiction.

Gender Differences in Substance Abuse Treatment

Men and women tend to start addiction recovery for different reasons. For example, more men attend treatment than women.9 However, men might have a harder time admitting they need help. That can make early recovery an especially vulnerable time. Providers that understand the social roles associated with masculinity10 can support men as they begin treatment. 

Women typically face more barriers to addiction treatment11 than men. As a result, they may have more severe symptoms by the time they enter rehab. Women may benefit from seeking more specialized care, whether or not they attend a women-only program. 

Recovery can be more straightforward in a single-gender treatment environment. This is especially true for clients with a history of trauma. For example, in a group session, you can trust that all your peers share a certain amount of context. That saves time and energy for everyone. Instead of explaining your identity, you can immediately dig into your emotional experience. 

Finding Gender-Specific Treatment Programs

Recognizing the impact of gender on your addiction can help you choose a rehab that feels right for you. Gender-specific programs acknowledge the differences in addiction for men and women—and sometimes, for people of other genders. As a result, they can offer treatment that caters to your specific needs. These programs aren’t right for everyone, and your gender doesn’t have to define you. But for some people, it can have a huge impact on recovery. 

Connect with a gender-specific rehab that meets your unique needs for recovery. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Gender and Addiction Recovery

How do gender roles affect addiction?

Social pressures related to gender roles can affect addiction. For example, many women report using drugs to cope with domestic violence or childcare exhaustion. Men may use drugs as a way to cope with a lack of emotional support.

How can rehab programs address gender differences in addiction?

Gender-specific treatment programs can help people feel better understood and prioritize their unique needs. For example, men’s rehab programs can help male clients connect with others who share their experience of addiction, while trauma-informed care can help women work through triggers.

Why are women more vulnerable to opioid addiction?

Women are more sensitive to pain than men and more likely to have chronic pain, leading doctors to prescribe more opioid medication for women than men. Women report using opioids to cope with both physical pain and emotional issues like anxiety.

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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.
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Return to Your Values in Tennessee’s Affirming Rehabs

From the majestic Appalachian Mountains to the melodic voices crooning down Nashville’s Music Row, there’s a lot of beauty in Tennessee. This pretty place can make addiction treatment relaxing and joyful. If you’re looking for a welcoming setting to start your recovery, a rehab in Tennessee could be a great fit. 

Heal According to Tennessee’s Strong Principles 

Tennessee’s rich history of working hard, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures spills over into modern life. And when you go to rehab there, those principles can also shape your treatment.

Recover in Tennessee’s Restorative Nature

All across Tennessee, you’ll find flowing rivers, sprawling forests, and ancient mountains. Many of the state’s rehabs boast large campuses with plenty of room for reflection. Some offer meandering walking trails and tranquil places to enjoy the view.

Smoky Mountain Lodge sits on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clients can take full advantage of their location by hiking to see the park’s gorgeous views. Recovering in peaceful nature can keep you grounded and centered throughout the healing process. 

cumberland heights tennessee
Cumberland Heights in Nashville

Stay Active With Experiential Therapies  

Many treatment centers in Tennessee offer experiential therapies, inspired by the area’s traditions and geography. For example, horses are an important part of Tennessee’s history and culture.1 Treatment centers like The Ranch Tennessee honor that heritage in their equine therapy program. On their expansive 2,000-acre ranch, equine-assisted therapy is a major component of treatment. By caring for the resident horses, clients learn more about themselves and practice building relationships.

Tennesseeans are also known for their taste for adventure. Rehabs like the ARCH Academy, which treats adolescent boys, tap into this mentality with adventure therapy. Clients can go canoeing, hiking, or fly-fishing to bond with their peers and learn new skills. These experiences invite teens to express their feelings in a new context.  

Get Into the Rhythm of Recovery in Music City

Home to country, rock ‘n’ roll, and the blues, Tennessee is famous for its music scene.2 And if music is important to you, professionally or personally, it can be a powerful tool during treatment.

This is especially true at rehabs like Recovery Unplugged Nashville. That’s why they designed their entire program around music. Their unique brand of music-assisted treatment can improve your depression, anxiety, mood, and chronic pain during recovery. They have a fully equipped jam room, group music therapy, and even songwriting sessions to help you express yourself through song. Plus, they frequently hold open mic nights and performances by other artists in recovery for sober fun. 

Relax in Family-Style Accommodations 

For many people, community is an important part of recovery. That’s why some programs have a strong focus on building relationships. In these rehabs, you can connect with like-minded people who want to support you in your journey toward wellness. 

In Tennessee, many rehabs offer family-style housing to support those connections. At centers like Morningstar, a women’s rehab outside of Nashville, clients live in a lodge with 5 other women. You and your housemates will cook dinner together, go on day trips, and attend the same group therapy sessions. Discovery Place offers treatment for men using a similar approach. Sober relationships are essential for long-term success in recovery,3 and family-style rehabs allow you to start forming them early on. 

the ranch tennessee
The Ranch Tennessee in Nunnelly

Find Identity-Affirming Treatment in Tennessee

Everyone’s recovery is as unique as they are. So finding a rehab that supports the most important parts of your identity is a crucial part of treatment. Many Tennessee rehabs offer specialized care for clients of different identities.

Gender-Specific Care

Attending rehab is a vulnerable experience. And for some people, it feels safer to be vulnerable around people of the same gender. What’s more, people of different genders face different obstacles to recovery. Going to a gender-specific rehab can help some clients access effective treatment.

In Tennessee, it’s easy to find a women-only or men-only rehab.  Morningstar, for example, has a women-only campus. Other programs, like Cumberland Heights, offer separate treatment for men and women on the same property. They even break down their men’s group into age-specific programming, recognizing how your stage of life can affect your recovery. 

Gender-specific treatment isn’t always a priority. And even if it is, these binary options might not meet your needs. In that case, you might consider a rehab that offers affirming treatment for LGBTQ+ people. These programs can be a good fit for people of many different genders and sexualities. Such supportive environments empower clients to live out their own highest values.  

Faith-Based Recovery

As you work to be your best self, spirituality can guide you forward. Many people find comfort and inspiration in faith-based treatment. In these rehabs, the tenets of a particular belief system inform every aspect of recovery.  

S2L Recovery, for instance, uses 7 Christian principles as the framework for their treatment program. They use lessons from the Bible to help you develop a deeper faith and sense of resilience. This can set you up for success after you complete treatment. If your faith is important to you, then it can be an excellent foundation for your ongoing recovery. 

Other faith-based treatment centers follow the 12 Steps, a well-known recovery philosophy. At The Next Door, in Nashville, treatment “integrates 12 step recovery, faith, and evidence-based practices to address the needs of the whole woman – mind, body, and spirit.” 

discovery place tennessee
Discovery Place in Burns

How to Travel to and Around Tennessee

More than half of the U.S. population lives within about a day’s drive of Nashville.4 But if you’re coming from farther away, you’ll most likely want to fly.

Flying Into Tennessee 

If you’re traveling from abroad, you’ll likely fly into Nashville International Airport (BNA), which serves 22 different airlines with over 585 nonstop flights daily. BNA is centrally located in Tennessee.

If you’re going to rehab in western Tennessee, flying into the Memphis International Airport might bring you closer to your treatment center. And for people attending eastern Tennessee rehabs, the Chattanooga Airport is closest.  

Getting Around Tennessee

Most of Tennessee’s public transit options are in metropolitan areas, so you’ll probably have to rely on private transportation to get to your treatment center. Because of this, many rehabs will pick you up from the airport directly, making the last leg of your journey that much simpler.

With any mode of transport, it’s a good idea to have a support person travel with you to rehab. This is an emotional time. When someone else is handling the logistics, you can stay focused on starting recovery.

Recover, Relax, and Reconnect in a Tennessee Rehab

If you’re thinking about addiction treatment, it might feel like life has gotten away from you. In Tennessee, rehab can be a safe place to gather your strength. Here, you’ll be healing among people who welcome you just as you are, and share many of your values. Even if you’ve never been to the state before, treatment here can feel like coming home to yourself.


Visit our list of rehabs in Tennessee for information on their amenities, pricing, experiential treatments, and more.

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Faster Treatment Access and Serene Scenery at UK Rehabs

The United Kingdom’s acres of countryside provide the perfect setting for healing. Its rolling hills and farmland dotted with grazing sheep can offer you the peace you need as you take the first steps toward recovery.

When you connect with a private rehab directly, you can usually start treatment right away. If you’re a UK citizen, this lets you begin healing faster, instead of waiting for space to become available through the National Health Service (NHS). These programs are also open to people from all over the world.

Whether you need a change of scenery, or immediate care close to home, you can take the first step toward recovery in one of the many rehab facilities in the United Kingdom.

“Recovery Is Freedom”

The choice to seek treatment is a milestone. And that’s something to be proud of, even if you’re not sure what will come next. Choosing the right kind of support for you, specifically, lets you take control of your future.

“Taking away the drugs for me, which I thought was the thing that made me all free, has actually been the most freeing thing,” said Khetsiwe Giles-Rowley, a client who went through rehab at Providence Projects. “The best thing I’ve gotten from my recovery is freedom.”

Rehabs in the UK can offer peace and quiet, with treatment plans tailored to your needs. During recovery, you’ll have time and space to define what freedom means to you.

Getting Prompt Care With Self-Pay Rehab

While every UK citizen is entitled to free addiction treatment, it can be a lengthy and complicated process to get government funding to attend rehab. Once you do get approval for treatment, you may not get to choose which rehab you’d like to attend. Instead, you’ll attend the first center that has space available.

If you opt to self-fund a residential program, the process is usually much faster. You’ll also have much more say in where you get to attend rehab. By choosing the timing and location of initial treatment, you can get the best possible support during recovery.

A Soothing Setting for Recovery

The UK’s countryside is the epitome of peace. Relaxing rainy days alternate with warm sunny ones, and the quiet surroundings offer the perfect opportunity for reflection.

Finding Calm in the Countryside

Imagine walking outside to the sounds of chirping birds and rustling grasses, with nothing in sight but green, rolling hills. This tranquil scenery, like the 50 acres of private woodland and gardens found at Castle Craig in Edinburgh, Scotland, is proven to help facilitate your recovery process.

castle craig property
Located in Edinburgh, Scotland, Castle Craig offers ample opportunity to interact with nature, including outdoor therapy, equine therapy and walks along their lush property.

Researchers believe that just 20 minutes in nature can lower your levels of cortisol,1 the stress hormone. With this in mind, the team at Castle Craig encourages clients to take advantage of their many walking paths. They also offer equine therapy, nature outings, outdoor therapy, and even alpaca walks to help clients get outside as much as possible during treatment. In Northern Wales, you can attend Parkland Place, which is on 3 acres of National Trust Farmland. You’ll be able to wake up to views of the countryside right from your bedroom.

Relax and Reflect by the British Seaside

The seaside can be calm and therapeutic. In fact, listening to the sounds of the ocean can directly support your healing process. Data shows that the sound of ocean waves decreases stress,2 and generally makes listeners feel more positive.

If you’re looking for a serene place to recover, you’re in luck: the UK has several treatment centers by the sea. At Ocean Recovery Centre, you can enjoy views of Blackpool Beach and Sea. Clients can also make use of the spa at a nearby hotel. Providence Projects is another coastal treatment center, in southern Bournemouth. The area boasts the warmest temperatures in the UK. Clients can stroll along the 7 miles of sandy beaches that offer views of bright blue ocean water from rocky cliffs.

Finding the Care You Need in London

You may prefer to start treatment in an urban setting. Some clients need to stay close to home, or just feel more at ease in the city. Whatever your reasons may be, there are plenty of rehab centers in London.

PROMIS London is right in the heart of the city, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Clients can explore London in group outings to museums, movies, and shopping centers. The OAD Clinic is just a 5-minute walk from Victoria Station, one of the busiest transportation hubs in the city, while Harbor London can be found between Hyde Park and Covent Garden. All 3 centers are easily accessible, no matter where you’re coming from.

Start Your Recovery With People Who Understand Your Needs

You can tailor your rehab experience to meet your needs. Plenty of centers specialize in treating specific groups of people, and some treat just 1 client at a time. Depending on your recovery goals, you might benefit from attending one of these programs.

Gender-Specific Treatment

Some addiction recovery programs recognize that some people may feel more comfortable living with people of their own gender. Several UK rehabs offer women-only and men-only programming or living arrangements. For example, the Clouds House offers gender-specific accommodations as well as a women’s lounge and gender-specific communal living area. Gender-specific rehab may or may not be appropriate for clients of other genders, or for men and women who prefer a different treatment setting.

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Clouds House provides gender-specific accommodations and privacy at their discreet campus in Wiltshire, South West England.

Single-Client Rehabs

Some clients require highly personalized treatment. Others may need a high level of discretion during recovery. Because of this, some rehab facilities treat only 1 client at a time, such as Harbor London and The Cottage. Individual treatment empowers you to get the exact type of care you need, provided by a team of experts entirely focused on your recovery.

The UK’s Specialized Addiction and Mental Health Treatments

Many UK rehabs offer new and innovative therapies. Most clients benefit from combining these methods with more conventional treatments like talk therapy, group therapy, and medical care.

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy in Norfolk

Verve Health uses virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) to help clients practice the skills they learn in therapy. Research shows that virtual reality can treat several types of addiction.3 In VRET, clients can safely experience challenging lifelike situations, under the supervision of a therapist. Each session presents you with sounds and images that simulate a real event.

VRET can induce cravings that come from triggering situations. This teaches you how to combat those cravings. Studies suggest that VRET can be especially effective alongside cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in London

Smart TMS is the largest provider of TMS treatment, which “uses pulsing magnetic fields to activate or suppress the brain centers associated with a number of mental health conditions.” This therapy aids in recovery from addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.

TMS can effectively reduce cravings4 in people recovering from addiction. However, it can also cause headaches, some fatigue, and a small chance of seizures. Because of this, it’s important for clients to work closely with a medical team throughout treatment.

Alpha-Stim Therapy in London

Alpha-Stim therapy helps people experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The handheld device sends microcurrents to the brain that help clients unwind and reduce stress. At The Soke, clients can take advantage of this treatment in relaxation pods for up to 40 minutes after a talk therapy session.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Scotland

In hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the client breathes in 100% oxygen while experiencing high atmospheric pressure for about an hour. Castle Craig is one center that offers this innovative therapy. According to their website, HBOT can help alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms, decrease inflammation, improve sleep, and more.

Therapies for the Mind and Body

Addiction recovery is both mental and physical. Some therapies are designed to help you strengthen the mind-body connection. This may help you feel more grounded during—and after—your time in rehab.

Asana Lodge, for example. offers a variety of alternative therapies. At this center, clients can try Satori Chair Therapy and heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback therapy.

The Satori Chair works by sending sound frequencies through the body to help you feel calm and relaxed. Clients have access to the chair at any time, although it may be especially helpful after a talk therapy session.

Studies suggest that HRV biofeedback therapy can lower anxiety.5 In this treatment, an application called HeartMath tracks the client’s heart rate. This information can help you better understand your own feelings. For example, an erratic heart rhythm suggests stress and anxiety. A therapist will help you create coping strategies based on what you learn.

Uniting Families in the United Kingdom

Studies show that family involvement during mental health and addiction treatment is crucial.6 During family therapy sessions, loved ones learn how to best support the person in rehab. Many rehab centers, such as PROMIS London, have treatment plans that include family therapy. PROMIS London’s family program meets weekly. This program “gives families a chance to work on their problems together, in a discrete location, and to break the cycles of harmful habits that may be affecting family members.”

Family therapy is offered on campus at PROMIS London’s quiet South Kensington location.

Family therapy helps you connect with your loved ones, and it also helps them start to heal. Silkworth Lodge, on the Channel Islands, even has a therapy program for children ages 7-12 called “Silkworms.” Over the course of 4 days, children affected by a family member’s addiction participate in a program just for them. This allows them to explore their emotions in a healthy way in a safe, supportive environment.

Traveling in the UK Is a Breeze

Flying to and within the UK7 is easy. London Heathrow is the largest airport in Europe, with numerous flights arriving each day from all around the world. There are over 40 airports around the United Kingdom,8 with 6 international airports in London alone. Most airports around the world have flights to London, and many also fly to other locations in the UK, such as Edinburgh Airport, the busiest airport in Scotland. Upon arrival, you can easily take another flight to your final destination.

Wherever you fly into the UK, your treatment center may offer an airport pickup service. Although the country is renowned for its public transit system

Check with your facility to coordinate your arrival.

Recover in Comfort in the UK

With rehabs in the quiet countryside and the vibrant city, the United Kingdom is a good fit for many clients. Rehab in the United Kingdom allows for time to reflect. Innovative therapies treat your mind and body and help you heal your relationships. And with personalized care, you can heal in a way that suits your unique needs.

Learn more about the therapies and amenities available in the UK’s rehabs here.

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The Healing Power of Nature in British Columbia’s Rehabs

Canada’s westernmost province, British Columbia (BC), is famous for its numerous outdoor opportunities in beautiful areas with mountains, lakes, beaches, and forests. Many treatment centers in BC take advantage of the region’s abundant and accessible nature by offering adventure outings such as river rafting, rock climbing, snowboarding, skiing, and more.

The peaceful settings of British Columbia offer space for reflection and growth. Many centers have walking trails and gardens on their grounds to facilitate mindfulness and healing. Several rehab facilities also offer gender-specific treatment, as well as programs tailored for other specific groups, such as Indigenous men or those who value spiritual wellness.

Nature can help you heal and recharge, and BC is a great choice for recovery if close access to the outdoors is important to you.

British Columbia’s Stunning Scenery

British Columbia’s natural geography of mountains, lakes, rivers, and beaches offers plentiful recreation opportunities. In fact, 75% of BC is covered by mountains, and the region boasts more protected areas than any other Canadian province. You’ll find beautiful coastal areas on the western side of the province, and breathtaking mountains on the eastern side.

When planning your stay at a residential treatment center, it’s important to remember that BC has all 4 seasons. If you’re attending a facility here in winter or spring, you’ll get to enjoy crisp weather and access to snow sports. Coastal areas get lots of rain, while the interior mountainous regions see more snow. Summer and fall in BC mean warmer weather and outdoor activities like swimming and hiking.

Being surrounded by nature may allow for a more relaxing, meditative experience. And in fact, this type of mindfulness can have a direct impact on your emotions.1 One study found that participants who walked outdoors for 20 minutes reported feeling more positive than those who walked indoors for the same amount of time.

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EHN Edgewood Rockies in Fort Steele, British Columbia sits on 600 acres of ground surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

This region offers many opportunities for outdoor activities with numerous hiking trails, mountain biking routes, rock climbing areas, and more. The parks in BC offer over 3,500 miles of trails 2 (~6,000 kilometers), many of which are located inside the province’s 1000+ provincial parks,3 recreation areas, conservancies, ecological reserves and protected areas.

Treatment Centers Surrounded by Nature

Whether or not you venture outdoors, attending rehab in BC means being surrounded by stunning views. For example, EHN Edgewood Rockies was built on 600 acres in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. You’ll find forests, valleys, and lakes throughout the property. According to their team’s treatment philosophy, this environment offers clients “a great opportunity for growth and introspection, building towards your best self in the relative solitude of pristine natural surroundings.”

The emotional impact of this natural setting was not lost on Sean, a client who attended the treatment facility for 90 days in 2019. “It helped having 600 acres to explore in the Rocky Mountains,” he says. “EHN Edgewood Rockies has saved my life, my marriage, and has given me a second chance.”

The Sunshine Coast Health Centre and the Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic both overlook a body of water called the Georgia Strait, in which clients can watch pods of whales and dolphins. You can also enjoy the snow-capped mountains, sandy beaches, and miles of uninhabited wilderness that surround these 2 properties.

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Located in Powell River, British Columbia, Sunshine Coast Health Centre is a men-only residential center with picturesque views.

Adventure Outings

Clients at rehabs in this area can embark on adventure outings in all seasons. In the winter, clients at Sunshine Coast Health Centre, Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic, and Valiant Recovery can go skiing and snowboarding. These activities give residents a break from time spent indoors during recovery.

In the warmer months, Nōmina Wellness takes residents white water rafting and on safaris, while clients at EHN Edgewood Rockies can visit hot springs. Valiant Recovery provides access to a ropes course and zip-lining.

In addition to these off-site adventures, all of these programs allow residents to utilize the hiking and biking trails either on or near their properties. For some clients, this is an essential part of recovery. By engaging with nature, you may be able to heal in a more holistic and fully realized way.

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Located in scenic Kelowna on a comfortable homey property, Valiant Recovery offers immersive hiking experiences at nearby trails.

Treatment in BC Is Tailored to You

Some rehab centers cater to specific demographics. You may prefer to attend a program designed to treat people who share commonalities with you, especially things you deeply value.

Spiritual & Holistic Healing Treatment Centers

Together We Can Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society understands that the 200,000 indigenous people residing in BC4 may prefer to attend treatment programs that are designed with their cultures in mind. Their “All My Relations” program serves this demographic, supporting indigenous men as they heal from substance use disorders.

The staff at this rehab center recognizes that this demographic faces a unique set of challenges, and may have experienced both personal and collective trauma. With that in mind, the program empowers indigenous men to reclaim their cultural identities. Clients take part in traditions such as daily smudging and sweat lodge ceremonies. The recovery center also partners with elders and members of several Indigenous nations to provide workshops, ensuring that clients have access to the best possible care.

Chopra Addiction and Wellness Center focuses on spirituality, and is endorsed by Deepak Chopra, a well-known advocate for alternative medicine. The treatment facility combines Eastern practices with Western medicine to create a program that allows for spiritual growth. “We are very different in that we recognize that addiction is also a search for spiritual well-being,” says Chopra.

Chopra Addiction and Wellness Center is located on 10 acres of land along the banks of the Cheakamus River in Squamish, BC for a peaceful experience set deep in nature. In addition to individual and group therapy, clients can also participate in mindfulness activities like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, guided hikes, Ayurvedic massage, and art therapy. If you’d like to focus on spiritual healing during treatment, this program might meet your needs.

Gender-Specific Treatment

If you feel more at ease with members of your own gender, you may consider attending a program that offers gender-specific treatment.

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Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic is a women-only center in a boutique-style home overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Powell River, British Columbia.

Sunshine Coast Health Centre and Inspire Change Wellness Center are both men’s only treatment centers, while Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic and Westminster House only cater to women. Westwind Counselling’s residential care is women-only, but they serve all genders in a separate online program.

Men and women may experience different societal pressure and stressors. You may prefer to be among those of your own gender if you are currently healing from trauma or seeking treatment for an issue that members of your gender are more likely to experience.

If you don’t identify with a gender binary, this may not be an important factor in your search. Additionally, you may wish to find an identity-affirming rehab with programming expressly designed to make you feel safe, seen and accepted.

Treatment for Eating Disorders

Westwind Counselling is Canada’s first private eating disorder recovery facility. This program helps clients heal from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and orthorexia. They offer online treatment options for all genders as well as in-person care for women, and don’t require clients to first obtain a formal diagnosis. Westwind teaches clients about mindful eating, body acceptance, and emotional well-being. Research shows that these are all core components of treatment for eating disorders.5 This program helps clients feel more at home in their own bodies, empowering them to make healthier choices in the long term.

Vancouver’s Natural Diversity

Several centers are located either in or close to Vancouver. Together We Can Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society is in the city itself, and numerous other treatment centers are within an hour’s drive. These programs have the best of both worlds: access to the great outdoors, and proximity to a thriving urban hub.

Diversity and Inclusion Is a Priority

Vancouver has a very diverse population,6 and has been ranked as the most livable city in Canada7 and the 16th worldwide, according to a 2021 report by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The study looked at stability, health care, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure of every major city in the world.

Perhaps because of its diversity, the city’s government is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all of its citizens. City staff meet with local community groups and agencies to better understand and meet the needs of residents. Officials emphasize programs for childcare, Indigenous peoples, youth, disadvantaged seniors, multicultural and diverse communities, and more. These priorities are reflected in their Healthy City Strategy,8 a plan with 13 different goals all aimed at making living in Vancouver better for everyone.

Vancouver has the 3rd largest urban Indigenous population of any Canadian city.9 Their Urban Indigenous Peoples’ Advisory Committee works with the city to ensure that Indigenous peoples have equal access to and are included in any new plans and procedures. Vancouver’s city council also determined that the unceded land in Vancouver still belongs to the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations10 in a unanimous vote in 2014.

Vancouver is home to the biggest LGBTQ+ community11 and hosts the largest Pride parade in Western Canada. The event takes place every year during Pride Week and is put on by the Vancouver Pride Society, a not-for-profit organization that is committed to strengthening their community by ensuring that Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ population feels represented and included.

Explore the Outdoors in Vancouver Treatment Centers

There are many places to recreate in Vancouver. Residents and tourists alike enjoy access to many outdoor areas, including Lynn Canyon, Grouse Mountain, Deep Cove, and more. Stanley Park, located in downtown Vancouver, includes miles of trails, stunning beaches, cultural and historical landmarks in an area of 1000+ acres. Vancouver locals highly value access to nature.

Rehab centers in the area share that value. You may or may not be able to explore the city on your own during your stay, depending on your health status and your program’s approach to treatment. However, most Vancouver rehabs include plenty of outdoor space; some even have private beaches. Even if you remain on-site at a rehab for the duration of treatment, you’ll be able to enjoy this beautiful landscape.

A Temperate Climate

Vancouver rarely sees snow, and the winters are some of the most mild in Canada. If you decide to seek treatment in BC during the winter season but prefer more temperate weather, Vancouver may be a good option for you.

Planning Travel to British Columbia

British Columbia is easily accessible by car or plane. Because there are 5 main airports in the region, you can easily choose one close to your treatment center. Most facilities offer transportation directly to and from the airport. Make sure that you check with your admissions team before booking any travel, to find out which options are available.

A Peaceful Path Toward Recovery

Traveling to British Columbia can offer a new and peaceful space to start your recovery process. The variable landscape and climate allow you to choose which kind of environment you’d like to be in during treatment, whether that’s in a busy city like Vancouver, or a more peaceful, rural area. And in either setting, you can expect to spend plenty of time outdoors.

Visit our list of treatment centers in beautiful British Columbia to see photos, read reviews, and more.

FAQ

How much does treatment cost in BC?

The cost of addiction treatment in BC varies by factors such as treatment type, length, and location. Some rehabs offer financial aid or insurance.

What are addiction treatment programs like in BC?

Rehabs in BC often offer experiential therapies that make the most of their naturally beautiful surroundings. Private rehabs provide tailored treatment, which may include holistic therapies.

Can I find women’s or LBGTQ+-affirming treatment in BC, Canada?

Yes. Some rehabs in BC offer specialized programs for certain client groups, including women and LBGTQ+ individuals.