Women’s Drug and Alcohol Detox Program

Why Choose an Especially-for-Women Drug and Alcohol Detox Program?

While some may find success in co-ed detox and rehab programs, there’s a lot of research supporting gender-specific programs. Women often begin using for very different reasons than men do, and when it comes to recovery, they respond differently than men to certain environments and therapies.

Many of our female alumni report that they would not have had nearly the same success in a mixed-gender program that they had in our women’s drug and alcohol detox and rehabilitation programs. That’s because our entire program — from our home environment itself to our therapy programs to the activities at Renaissance Refuge — is designed specifically for the unique needs of women.

Here are just a few of the reasons we believe our gender-specific program is the most successful route to recovery for women.

Separates Women from Trauma Cues

Trauma drives women toward addiction at a devastating rate. Studies show that there is a significantly higher correlation between childhood trauma and substance abuse disorders (SUDs) in women than there is in men. Furthermore, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) confirms that “women who have a SUD are more likely to have histories of trauma, including sexual or physical abuse, and abuse or witnessing abuse in childhood.”

Because of this high correlation, it’s especially important to separate women from triggers in their environment that keep them from rising above the trauma. Unfortunately, much of this trauma has been perpetrated by men. That’s why bringing women into a safe circle of sisters can allow them to shed fear, shame, self-blame, or other emotions that keep them from fully healing.

Removes Women from Unhealthy Relationships

It is very common for women to abuse substances with their partners. They may view using as a way to start or maintain a relationship with a boyfriend or husband. Separating women from the partners they use with can help them leave harmful habits behind.

And even if women aren’t using with a partner, an abusive partner or family member could be a trigger for ongoing drug or alcohol abuse. Women may turn to harmful substances to cope with the abuse. If women do try to quit, they may find that friends, partners, or family members try to sabotage their efforts.

Renaissance Refuge can supplant these toxic relationships with a strong sisterhood and sense of belonging in a supportive community.

Prioritizes a Strong Focus on Mental Health

SAMHSA cites a strong correlation for women between SUD and mental health conditions. That makes mental health care an integral part of the addiction recovery process for women. Our women’s drug and alcohol detox and rehabilitation programs include a heavy focus on mental health therapies. We’re not just trying to get people off of drugs; we’re trying to resolve underlying issues for lasting recovery.

Our staff includes mental health providers who are trained in the most effective modalities for addressing mental conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This includes addressing issues such as poor self-image, shame, and perfectionism. Our goal is for our sisters to return to life with strength, resilience, and rock solid coping mechanisms.

Facilitates Bonding

Throughout history, women have built strong communities for themselves. They gathered at wells to draw water and performed handiwork together (weaving baskets, sewing, etc.). They lived clustered in villages, which offered ample opportunity for socializing. They often lived close to extended family members, so aunties and grandmas could pull together to raise children and perform domestic duties.

In modern times, we have lost a sense of female community. We are social creatures who need each other’s strength, wisdom, examples, and accountability. And yet, we often come and go in our neighborhoods, rarely even socializing with the person next door. We have so many demands on our time that we can barely get through the day, let alone have time to enjoy the relaxed association of other women.

At work, we may feel pressure to climb the ladder, putting us at odds with other women instead of working together in harmony. As technology advances, we find ourselves buried in our phones, connecting through meaningless social media messages instead of through genuine, face-to-face communication.

Pile on top of all of this addiction, which can be terribly isolating. The shame draws us into the shadows, leaving us even more cut off than ever.

Renaissance Refuge offers a new take on this. Rather than asking you to get better on your own, we welcome you into a community. You live, work, recreate, and make memories together. You share triumphs and trials. You work through problems and disagreements in healthy ways.

They say Time + Shared Experience = Relationships. We facilitate time together and shared experiences, allowing you to form the strong relationships that will carry you from detox through rehabilitation into alumni programs. You can lean on the Refuge’s community of sisters to cheer you on as you progress toward lasting sobriety.

There is power in a support system, but it can be hard to know where to find one. Renaissance Refuge will provide that ready-made system for you.

Prioritizes Family Reunification

We are sensitive to the fact that many of the women who come to Renaissance Refuge are mothers. Women are often deeply affected by being away from their children. They miss them painfully and feel overcome with regret at not being able to meet their daily needs.

Some women have bravely chosen to leave their children in the care of others to come to the Refuge and heal. We recognize what a tremendous sacrifice this is and understand your goal of returning to your children as soon as possible. Others have had their children taken away, which is devastating and disorienting. We are sensitive to the emotional distress that comes with losing your children for a time.

Whatever the situation, we share your goal to reunite you with your children as soon as possible. We devote all our resources to getting you healthy and strong so that you can become the mother your children need for the long-term