Research shows that men and women have different experiences with substance abuse and respond to treatment differently. For this reason, they require separate care. A women’s inpatient rehab center is designed to give women the space and security they need to heal, while reinforcing their self-worth and physical, emotional, and mental health. Turnbridge offers an inpatient rehab program for women struggling with a variety of substance use and mental health disorders. Read on to learn more.

Men and women have very different experiences when it comes to drugs of abuse. Men, for example, have much higher rates of illicit drug use and often try many types of drugs. Women, on the other hand, tend to use drugs in much smaller amounts, yet statistically progress from drug use to drug addiction much faster than their male counterparts.

The factors leading to drug abuse also vary between men and women. Women are more likely to battle mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as carry histories of trauma. As such, these conditions tend to be leading causes of addiction in women—Women will use drugs and alcohol in attempts to self-medicate and escape their emotional pain.

As explained by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Research has shown that women often use drugs differently, respond to drugs differently, and can have unique obstacles to effective treatment.”

This means they need a different approach to drug treatment.

Enter: Inpatient Rehab for Women

For women struggling with severe substance abuse problems and/or co-occurring disorders, inpatient treatment is typically recommended. Inpatient rehab is synonymous with residential treatment, meaning women live at the facility in which they are receiving help. Women live in a substance-free residence, surrounded by other women in recovery, nearby or in the same place they also receive therapy and care.

Long-term, inpatient rehab programs are highly structured, providing 24-hour watchful care in a comfortable, non-hospital setting. These programs help women build the skills needed to live a healthy, socially productive life, avoid relapse, and find fulfillment and confidence in a sober life. Residential treatment for women goes beyond getting sober: It gives women the tools they need to rebuild their physical, emotional, social, and mental health.

There is great value to be found in a women’s inpatient rehab program. In fact, inpatient settings are recommended by most addiction professionals, and longer stays in this type of treatment are associated with higher success rates overall. 

As explained by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Because addiction is a disease, most people cannot simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Patients typically require long-term or repeated episodes of care to achieve the ultimate goal of sustained abstinence and recovery of their lives.”

The Need for Women’s Only Rehab and Residences

For women battling substance addiction, it is extremely important to find an inpatient rehab program that is gender-specific. A women’s rehab center is one that specializes in the unique experiences of women when it comes to substance use, offering nurturing, trauma-informed care. 

Too often, women turn to drugs and alcohol after experiencing trauma, physical or sexual abuse, hurtful relationships, emotional distress, anxiety disorders, and other mental health disorders. In fact, studies show that more than one-third of women have experienced physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner. This reinforces the importance of gender-specific treatment environments. 

Women who are receiving treatment often feel safest – and therefore make the most progress – in a setting that is limited to women. There is no pressure or intimidation caused by the opposite gender. Rather, women can focus fully on their healing, feel comfortable opening up in group settings, and move through treatment more confidently when surrounded and supported by other women in recovery.

If your loved one is battling addiction, know that she deserves an inpatient rehab program that sets her up for specific. Not only should the treatment program be women’s specific, but it should also be able to meet her unique needs. The right women’s inpatient rehab center will develop a personalized treatment plan for your loved one (and each resident), depending on their experiences and conditions.

The Benefits of Women’s Inpatient Rehab

Women’s inpatient rehab programs offer the best chance at a lasting recovery for women who need a safe, dedicated space to recover from substance addiction. Below we explore some of the key benefits of these residential treatment settings.

1. Inpatient rehab centers offer women a safe, drug-free space. 

Women’s inpatient rehab centers are not hospital settings. Rather, they are protected, peaceful, positive environments where women can focus on their healing and wellness. They provide a place for women to get away from outside pressures, temptations, and relapse triggers (difficult memories, substance-using friends, toxic relationships, and more).

2. In inpatient rehab, women can build healthy, supportive relationships. 

Women are constantly surrounded by other women in these settings – women of the same age group, same gender, and with very similar experiences to share. Whether through group therapy sessions, 12-step meetings, or recreational activities, women are given the chance to bond and build relationships with one another, without the blanket of drugs and alcohol.

3. Inpatient treatment centers encourage healthy and holistic living. 

An inpatient rehab program teaches women how to live sober, not simply get sober. At Turnbridge, for example, we emphasize the importance of healthy, productive, positive living in all aspects of our residences. Delicious, nutritious meals are prepared for women during their stay, but they are also taught how to shop and cook healthy meals themselves. Young women in our inpatient program also have access to fitness centers, yoga studios, in-house gyms, art rooms, nearby beaches and more – therapeutic experiences and activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

4. There is a focus on dual diagnosis in many inpatient settings. 

As noted above, women are more likely to face a co-occurring disorder – whether an eating or anxiety disorder, depression or trauma – simultaneously with their drug use. Co-occurring disorders in women require a unique, specialized, and integrated approach to treatment and a safe secure, environment to heal. 

If your loved one is battling a mental health condition, she will require an inpatient dual diagnosis treatment setting.

5. There is 24/7 care and support, whenever she needs it most. 

Perhaps most obviously and most valuable, inpatient rehab environments offer young women constant, round-the-clock care and support. Recovery is not easy – there are many obstacles and uncertainties that can arise along the way. In an inpatient setting, women always have consistent access to support staff members, clinicians, and counselors, even if it’s simply to chat.

Women’s Inpatient Rehab FAQ

What to look for in a women’s inpatient rehab center?

Not every inpatient rehab will offer the same benefits or courses of treatment, so it’s important to do your research. In general, we recommend looking for a program that offers:

• Gender-specific treatment, tailored to the unique needs of women
• Personalized treatment plans for each woman in recovery
• Evidence-based and holistic treatment modalities, such as behavioral therapy for women
• Trauma-informed care approaches and mental health treatment options
• Compassionate, nurturing, and specialized care
• An environment created to support women, providing comfort and security throughout treatment

Additionally, look for a reputable treatment provider with a history of providing evidence-based, effective care for women struggling with substance addiction. Ask for client testimonials, success rates, staff credentials, licensing information, and more as you research potential providers.

What types of treatment are offered in an inpatient rehab for women?

While every rehab program is unique, and every person’s treatment plan will differ, there are some common treatments and strategies recommended for women in addiction recovery. These include, but are not limited to:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy, surrounded by other women of the same age group
• One-on-one counseling
• Dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder treatment
• Holistic therapies and treatments, such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and exercise
• Continuing care or extended care programs
• 12-step meetings and/or support groups

What is the average length of stay for women in inpatient rehab?

For residential treatment programs, it’s recommended that women participate for at least 90 days. Anything less than this is considered of limited effectiveness by the NIDA. 

Longer stays in a rehab program can lead to even greater, positive recovery outcomes for women. At Turnbridge, we’ve seen this first-hand. We’ve reported that the strongest treatment outcomes are associated with at least 270 days, or nine months, in our inpatient rehab program. Those who complete this length of stay are more likely to remain sober, be in good physical health, secure employment, have healthy relationships, and possess effective coping skills in the years following treatment.

About Turnbridge’s Inpatient Rehab for Women

The women’s residences and clinical facilities at Turnbridge located in and around the historical, charming community of New Haven, Connecticut. Tucked away in tranquility, yet still close to the vibrant city, this location plays a major role in our women’s recovery programs. Young women have the benefit of living in a gracious, quiet, serene environment that is protected by security systems. Here, they can focus on their healing with peace of mind. As women gain more independence through each phase of therapy, though, they are encouraged to venture into town to attend their 12-meetings, volunteer, and take on work or academic classes. This enables residents to regain accountability, a core piece of sober living. The residences at Turnbridge are also exquisite and well-kept, representing the beauty, respect, and care we see in each of our clients as they work through the recovery process.

Turnbridge’s women’s inpatient rehab combines clinical care with productive sober living, a supportive recovery community, and a safe, healing environment. 

Find out more about the benefits of attending our drug rehab program for women by visiting www.turnbridge.com/womens today. Or, call 877-581-1793 to learn more.