Addiction manifests itself differently in women than it does in men.

For this reason it is essential to select a treatment program that utilizes specific therapeutic methodology that caters to the needs of women in treatment for substance use disorder and/ or addiction. Every female is different and so too should the treatment plan for each woman seeking substance abuse and addiction treatment. The residential treatment program should employ a range of therapy types so as to create a tailored treatment program that focuses on each of nuanced needs of its female clients. Examples of some of the therapeutic modalities that are frequently used in women’s residential treatment programs can include the following: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), creative arts therapies, narrative therapy, existential therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), relational therapy, family education and support, group therapy and more.

Residing in a residential treatment facility can be extremely helpful in one’s treatment program.

By living away from home, an individual is essentially removing herself from both known and unknown triggers. That said, almost every person has items that she is accustomed to when it comes to her residence (i.e. a washing machine, a blender, a television…etc.). There are no requirements concerning amenities when it comes to residential treatment programs. Therefore, though a residential rehab program is temporary, making sure the facility is equipped with those items you just can’t live without, can make your time in the program a bit easier.

Many residential rehab programs will have a website that provides basic information about their program.

However, it is not uncommon for certain components to be left out. Make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Do not hesitate to call the facility and ask questions. If you are unsure of what to ask, here are some important questions you can ask on the phone, with answers that should better help you make your decision:

• What level of licensure does clinical staff members, group leaders, and residential staff members have? When looking at a residential rehab program, it is important to know who make up the therapeutic and the residential staff. Find out the accreditation of the facility itself as well as the clinical staff.

• What does a daily schedule look like? The answer to this question will help you understand if the program provides individualized treatment plans.

• Is it common to have family play a roll in treatment? If so, what? Depending on your preference, this answer can help you decide if the program offers too much family inclusion, not enough, or an amount that feels comfortable to you.

• What is your success rate? You want to select a program that tracks its success rate as it shows that they follow up with alumni and are able to implement changes to perpetually improve their success rates.

• What aftercare and follow-up services do you provide to your alumni?

• Do you have a waitlist? Making sure the timing is right and a bed is available when you are ready to commit is imperative.

In addition to the above questions, it is important to have an understanding of the cost of the program prior to making a decision. Some rehab programs will accept insurance as a form of payment, or partial payment, and others will not. If you are covered by insurance, be sure to ask if the facility accepts insurance, and more specifically your exact insurance. If the program you are interested in does not accept insurance, be sure to have a clear understanding of the total cost of treatment, and that you are comfortable with incurring and committing to that financial obligation.

Further Information

If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, please get help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. There is no reason to go through this alone. Please feel free to reach out to us for further information or with any questions regarding substance abuse or addiction.