Many people with an addiction today opt for an outpatient program rather than residential treatment. The person can live at home and continue normal activities while getting the necessary care. Women often benefit from this type of program as they face different challenges than men during recovery. However, the right program must be selected for treatment to be successful. What should a person look for when choosing an outpatient program for women?
Women’s Issues
Women and men differ in countless ways, including in how they use and abuse drugs. For example, differences are seen in the drugs of choice, how they use these drugs, and the effects of the drugs on their minds and bodies. There are also challenges males and females face when recovering from substances, and these challenges differ by the addict’s sex.
Women are more likely to be affected by trauma, and this can play a role in their substance abuse and recovery. Staff members at a women’s outpatient program in Orange County, CA, must recognize these differences to provide effective treatment. For example, co-ed outpatient programs often don’t work because they cannot meet the needs of both men and women. A well-designed program for women will consider their gender-specific needs.
Treatment Options
Eighty percent of women undergoing substance abuse treatment have been exposed to significant trauma. If this trauma remains unaddressed during substance abuse recovery, the women cannot completely recover from their addictions. A high-quality outpatient treatment program will address the trauma. Women may be exposed to many different types of trauma. Childhood sexual abuse or neglect can lead to problems with drugs. Any woman who is a victim of sexual assault or rape may turn to drugs to cope with the trauma.
Mental, emotional, sexual, physical, and emotional abuse are all types of trauma, as is bullying. Women who suffer a major illness or accident and those who are going through a separation or divorce might turn to drugs and alcohol for relief from the pain they are experiencing. Many females in the military begin abusing drugs or alcohol after a combat or service-related trauma.
Treatment Delivery
Women often need more than what is offered through a standard outpatient program. They may need an intensive outpatient program. Standard programs typically offer eight or fewer hours of treatment each week. The women receive care nine to 19 hours per week with an intensive outpatient program. The extra hours allow the women to receive comprehensive care. They can be treated for substance abuse, any unresolved trauma from their past, and help for diagnosable mental health conditions that may play a role in the substance abuse.
Intensive outpatient programs reduce the risk of relapse. Without the additional services, the woman might find she begins using again when she faces a trigger related to the trauma she experienced or when her mental health symptoms worsen. Treating the separate conditions simultaneously gives her the coping skills needed to handle these situations when they arise without turning to drugs or alcohol.
Women face many challenges today. When help is needed, these challenges that are unique to their sex must be addressed to resolve the issue. If they aren’t, complete recovery from the addiction is difficult, if not impossible. Learn more today about intensive outpatient programs for women to see why they are the best choice for females with substance abuse disorders.