Research has found that addiction occurs more rapidly in women than in men, and women are more likely to have serious medical problems because of their addiction. Women who are addicted are also more likely than men to be single parents, or to have young children.

Addicted women are also more likely than addicted men to be extremely uneducated, and unable to maintain a steady job. Unfortunately for a long time, treatment programs did not really address women’s specific problems and tried to treat them the way men were treated. 

Some of the more successful women substance abuse treatment programs have two common characteristics. The first is that they are all-female centers. Because so many women who are substance abusers have a history of being raped, in violent relationships, or being sexually assaulted as children, being in an environment where there are only women, makes it easier for them to talk about what has happened to them. The second is that the program addresses women specific needs such as transportation, childcare and teaching parenting skills. Studies on women who have received treatment from these types of programs show that they are less likely to relapse, have less of a risk of death, better relationships with their children, and higher job stability. 

Psychosocial issues with women are also very different from men. Women’s emotional and psychological health is very dependent upon creating and maintaining good relationships. When there are healthy relationships in a woman’s life, she feels greater self-worth, vitality and empowerment, however, women who have grown up in abusive homes, or who have been in a number of abusive relationships, become disconnected and lose self-esteem, and empowerment. Thus women’s treatment programs should provide women with ways to create healthy relationships with other patients, counselors and staff. It should also provide them with ways they can improve outside relationships such as with children or other family that they can trust.

Research and new programs are just starting that better help address women and substance abuse. Treatment for women is better understood now, providing more women with the tools they need to become sober again.