Happy International Women’s Day!
Happy International Women’s Day! Celebrated annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day recognizing the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women! The first gathering was held in 1911 and its current goals are to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about women’s equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity and fundraise for female-focused charities. While there has been substantial progress since women earned the right to vote in 1920, there is more work to be done to create an equitable world for all genders.
The 2022 IWD theme is #BreakTheBias
Women and Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Women face unique challenges in relation to SUD than other communities. Women show a quicker progression from first using the substance to developing dependence. This may be because mood and anxiety disorders are significantly higher among women than men and some turn to substances to cope with these emotions. Experiences of physical or sexual abuse may also heighten a woman’s risk for SUD. A study in 2010 revealed that chronic pain patients who identify as a woman are significantly more likely than men to hoard unused medications and to use additional drugs to enhance the effectiveness of prescription opioids.
Women and Treatment
There are programs for women that are focused on comprehensively addressing specific treatment needs. These treatment approaches have been informed by research demonstrating the significant impact on the treatment of co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression, eating disorders, and trauma among women with substance use disorders. These treatment centers also consider relationships with children and intimate partners when encouraging a woman’s recovery. Strong evidence has been found that single-gender treatment provides a safer and more comfortable treatment environment, which may enhance treatment outcomes, and that women experience greater satisfaction with such treatment than with a mixed-gender alternative.
Resources
We’d like to recognize some of the many great local organizations who offer gender specific treatment for women experiencing SUD. Here are a few:
Haven Chemical Health, Janet’s Residence – St. Paul Park, MN
Janet’s Residence is a 15 bed women’s high intensity residential facility. The program is dual diagnosis capable with MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) and a mental health medication provider available. Clients meet a minimum of 30 hours a week and live in the program full time. An average stay is between 45-60 days and may be longer based upon client need and progress.
Recovering Hope – Mora, MN
Recovering Hope Treatment Center offers women a safe and supportive residential environment to face their struggles with substance use and mental health disorders. Recovering Hope has a licensed onsite daycare facility that offers exceptional child care in a safe and inviting environment while mothers participate in treatment programming.
The Gables Treatment Center – Rochester, MN
The Gables is a residential substance use disorder treatment program dedicated to serving adult women. Located near downtown Rochester in Southeast Minnesota, The Gables offers comprehensive and specialized treatment programs in a caring and nurturing environment.
River Ridge Recovery – Eagan, MN
River Ridge Recovery’s, “A Woman’s Way,” is a gender-responsive and trauma-responsive residential treatment program for adult women with substance use disorders. A Woman’s Way provides intensive and comprehensive treatment services in an intimate environment. Each resident receives personal attention and support as she becomes a member of a healing community of women.
Wayside Recovery Center – St. Louis Park, MN
Wayside Recovery Center offers Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services for Women, Children, & Families. They provide complete, holistic care for every stage of the journey—from prevention to treatment to long-term recovery. Wayside’s women’s addiction treatment recognizes that no woman’s experience and trauma is the same.
The Women of SRHN
Today we celebrate the incredible women who built the Steve Rummler HOPE Network and those who continue to operate its programs everyday! SRHN has been led and staffed by powerful and passionate women since its inception and we wouldn’t be here today without them.
