Women-Only Rehab Programs in Las Vegas, Nevada

If you are a woman struggling with an addiction or a substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Millions of women around the country struggle with addiction, and many will seek out rehab as a way to manage the disease. Choosing the right addiction treatment program in Nevada that can address your individual needs can be crucial for your success in recovery. Some women may benefit from or will simply prefer to attend gender-specific or women’s treatment programs.² Many rehab facilities, in the state of Nevada and across the country, offer programs that can speak to the unique needs of women struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol.

In the state of Nevada alone, nearly 32% of all treatment admissions in 2017 were women.¹ Of the 106 substance abuse facilities in Nevada, 58 offered specialized treatment for adult women and 35 offered specialized programs for pregnant or post-partum women.⁹ Understanding what your individual needs are, the type of women-specific treatment, and how to find these facilities in Nevada can help you find recovery.

Women and Addiction

Drugs and alcohol impact women and men differently based on differences of both sex (being genetically female or male) and gender (culturally defined roles for men and women, as well as those who don’t feel comfortable identifying with either category).⁵ There are differences in the way women vs. men use drugs, respond to drugs, and unique obstacles they face during treatment.⁵

Research shows that there are higher rates of use and dependence on illicit drugs and alcohol in men vs. women, however, women are just as likely as men to develop a substance use disorder.⁵ Women, however, appear to show a faster progression from when they start using alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and opioids to developing dependence.¹

Research also suggests that:²

• Women may experience more cravings for drugs and alcohol than men.
• Women may be more likely to relapse after leaving substance abuse treatment.
• Women may be more vulnerable than men to experiencing the negative physical impacts of drug use on their blood vessels and heart.
• Sex hormones may make women more sensitive than men to the effects of some drugs.
• Women who are victims of domestic violence are at a higher risk for substance abuse.

Motives behind substance use vary between men and women.³

Studies show that:

• Women are more likely to consume alcohol in response to negative emotions and stress.
• Women are significantly more likely to have co-occurring disorders.

Co-Occurring Disorders Among Women

A major component of addiction for many women is the presence of additional mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression.⁵ When a substance use disorder and another mental health disorder present simultaneously, they are known as co-occurring disorders. Each condition influences the development and severity of the other as well; a substance use disorder can increase the likelihood of other mental health disorders to develop, while a pre-existing mental health disorder may increase the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder.⁵ Women who have substance use disorders and a mental health disorder may experience more intense, severe, and persistent symptoms.⁵ Women with co-occurring disorders may also have worse treatment outcomes compared to people who experience only one type of disorder.⁵

Women are also more prone than men to:⁵

• Be diagnosed with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Use substances to relieve symptoms of depression, stress, and other mental health disorders.
• Develop mental health and substance use disorders as a result of life changes such as divorce, death, or loss of child custody than men.
• Experience physical violence in an intimate relationship (1 out of 3) which increases the risk of developing depression, substance use disorders, and other health conditions.

Substance Use and Pregnancy

Pregnancy and substance use can have many negative short-term and long-term health consequences on the mother and the unborn baby. For example, the use of drugs, nicotine, and alcohol while pregnant are associated with:⁶

• Pre-term birth.
• Sudden infant death syndrome.
• Respiratory problems.
• Low birth weight.
• Slow fetal development.
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
• Cognitive and behavioral problems in the child.
• Withdrawal symptoms in the baby, referred to as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which can lead to seizures, feeding problems, low birth weight, and death.

Luckily, there are substance abuse treatment programs designed for pregnant women and new mothers to help address the unique needs and challenges that women may face in treatment and recovery. Some rehab facilities for women use medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms for mom and baby and reduce various risks associated with NAS.⁶

Why Women May Avoid Addiction Treatment

Women may be less likely to ask for help due to many factors. These factors may include:⁷

• Lack of child care while in treatment.
• Fear of Child Protective Services taking away their children and other social stigmas.
• Work obligations.
• Daily life and home responsibilities.

Effective rehab programs for women understand these unique barriers and may offer services such as inpatient childcare to encourage and support women remove or lower these barriers.

Specialized Rehab Programs for Women in Las Vegas

Specialized addiction treatment for women has many benefits. Sharing a safe space with other women can foster a sense of community, encourage peer support, and enhance the comfort of the patient.

Several addiction treatment options are available to women who are struggling with substance abuse, both with and without co-occurring disorders. Treatment can range in intensity; the services received are based upon your unique needs, treatment goals, and level of treatment.

General phases of treatment include:⁸

The services you receive during treatment are typically determined by your individual challenges, needs, and treatment goals. Common treatment services include:⁸

• Individual therapy.
• Group therapy.
• Employment training and other supportive services.
• Mutual-help group or 12-step type meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery.
• Medication.

How to Find a Rehab Facility for Women in Las Vegas, NV

If you are a woman struggling with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. There are specialized programs for women that can help you or a loved one find recovery. Speaking to a medical professional or trusted doctor can help you get started by determining your medical goals and needs. They may also be able to refer you to rehabs in the Las Vegas area or state of Nevada that have rehab programs for women. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrator (SAMHSA) offers a free and anonymous treatment locator that can help you find rehab in Nevada.

There are also several substance abuse and women’s helplines are available to help connect you with women’s substance abuse programs. These helplines are usually completely confidential. Most are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can help answer questions regarding treatment and offer information on various programs based on the information you provide.

American Addiction Centers also operates a 24/7 addiction helpline that can connect women with addiction challenges to treatment and help answer questions about the process. AAC operates a treatment center in Las Vegas called Desert Hope. Desert Hope offers specialized, evidence-based treatment tracks for women struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.