by Northstar | May 17, 2024 | Addiction Recovery
The iconic Austrian psychologist Anna Freud famously said, “I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time.” Supporting all women seeking treatment can help them uncover that essential source of inner strength.
While inclusivity continues to get better in the recovery realm, there is still a long way to go to ensure that everyone’s unique needs are met. This includes addressing the unique needs of women seeking treatment. It is important women feel empowered when it comes to seeking treatment because, for far too long, women faced gender-specific stigmas around addiction and mental health.
The Prevalence of Addiction in the U.S.
Addiction is more prominent than many people may realize. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “In 2022, 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8.0 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD.”
There are also many people who struggle with co-occurring disorders alongside their addiction issues. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders.” Of course, while these statistics are comprehensive, they are not absolute. This is because many people who struggle with addiction and/or mental illness (behavioral health issues) do not speak up or seek help. Also, this includes many women who don’t seek help due to social stigmas.
Understanding Women and Addiction
While statistically, there may be more men who seek treatment than women, it is not because they are more susceptible to addiction. According to NIDA, “For most age groups, men have higher rates of use or dependence on illicit drugs and alcohol than do women. However, women are just as likely as men to develop a substance use disorder. In addition, women may be more susceptible to craving and relapse, which are key phases of the addiction cycle.”
This last aspect of relapse susceptibility is important because many people don’t realize just how common relapse currently is in the U.S. (for both men and women). According to the peer-reviewed thesis Addiction Relapse Prevention by Doctors Guenzel and McChargue, “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last 4 to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”
However, these relapse rates can be reduced if an individual’s needs are specifically met. This is why individualized care can be so crucial. Overarching “one-note” recovery plans rarely tend to work. They cannot address everyone’s needs. This includes the needs of women seeking treatment.
The Unique Needs of Women Seeking Treatment
Most people can benefit from many of the same types of treatments. However, there are many stigmas and social inequities regarding recovery that are specifically unique to women.
For example, one of the unique stigmas that women face is how they are perceived regarding addiction and pregnancy. According to NIDA, “Unfortunately, it can be difficult for a person with a substance use disorder to quit, and some women with such disorders fear that seeking help while pregnant or afterward could cause them legal or social problems. Communities can build support systems to help women access treatment as early as possible, ideally before becoming pregnant.” Also, “If a woman is unable to quit before becoming pregnant, treatment during pregnancy improves the chances of having a healthier baby at birth.”
The Barriers for Women Seeking Treatment
Pregnancy is just one of the barriers for women seeking treatment. Another barrier for women seeking treatment is the way they are believed by hospitals and primary care providers. Many women feel dismissed or disrespected when it comes to asking for addiction help. This often stops women from continuing to seek help.
There can also be financial barriers for women seeking treatment as the pay disparities in the U.S. are still prominent, and many women who struggle with addiction face financial insecurity when it comes to seeking treatment. Women can also feel insecure about how they will be perceived if it is discovered that they are seeking treatment or are in recovery. This is because women tend to face a disproportionate standard when it comes to social circumstances. Many women also fear that seeking treatment could bring more discrimination down the road.
Understanding Trauma, PTSD, and Women Seeking Treatment
Many women who struggle with issues of addiction and mental health also struggle with underlying issues of trauma, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “Women’s experiences of trauma have been linked to a variety of negative mental health consequences, including especially PTSD. Estimates from community studies suggest that women experience PTSD at two to three times the rate that men do.” Also, “U.S. prevalence estimates of lifetime PTSD from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication are 9.7% for women and 3.6% for men.”
Many women who struggle with PTSD also do so because they have experienced some type of assault at the hands of the opposite sex. This could be physical, verbal, or sexual assault. It is for this reason that many women may feel apprehensive about being in a treatment program that doesn’t take their needs into account. Understandably, women who have experienced some type of trauma are looking for a safe space when it comes to recovery.
The Importance of Safe Spaces for Recovery
A safe space for women does not necessarily mean that the space has to be gender-specific. However, it does mean that it needs to take women’s specific needs into account. This may involve ensuring that the professionals on staff are representative of all genders.
A safe space for recovery may also mean that there are program specialties that focus solely on the needs of women. This may include female-only group therapy sessions, for example. Women-specific care should also address women-specific addiction stigmas. According to Fusio: The Bentley Undergraduate Research Journal, “Although many women initiate the use of drugs as a way to self-medicate and address social pressures, they are stigmatized by society for using drugs, and women who are mothers face even greater stigmatization.”
Women-specific care doesn’t have to look a certain way, either. Again, it is as much a matter of ensuring that the space is safe, regardless of what type of recovery program is being employed. This includes day treatment that addresses women’s specific needs.
The Benefits of Day Treatment for Women in Recovery
Many women avoid seeking treatment because they don’t feel that they can step away from their responsibilities. While this is understandable, the truth is that pushing treatment back will only make the problem worse.
Day treatment is a great option for women who still need to manage day-to-day responsibilities. This type of treatment allows people to actively engage with their recovery without having to stay directly at the facility.
Of course, not all day treatment programs are created equally. Some day programs only engage with the individual a few times a week for a few hours at a time. For most, this is rarely enough to get to the underlying issues that are causing a person’s negative and addictive behaviors.
A quality day treatment program is going to include daily work for a minimum of six hours a day for a least five days a week. Depending on the individual, this may last for a few weeks or a few months. The key is to address all of the issues the first time so the individual can avoid a potential relapse and do it all over again.
A quality day treatment program is also going to be comprehensive. This means that it is going to offer multiple means, methods, and modalities for recovery, including individual and group therapy sessions.
Individual Therapy for Women in Recovery
One of the most prominent ways to address addiction, for both men and women, is via individual psychotherapy. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that is going to help get to the underlying issues of one’s addiction issues.
CBT has been shown to be one of the most highly effective therapies when it comes to treating a broad range of addiction and mental health issues. According to Psychology of Addictive Behaviors: the Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, “Multiple meta-analyses and reviews over the past 30 years have concluded that CBT is an effective treatment across a range of substance use disorders. The most recent and comprehensive meta-analysis included 53 controlled trials, published through 2006, of CBT for adults diagnosed with alcohol or drug use disorders, and reported a small but statistically significant treatment effect (g = 0.15) for CBT over control conditions across studies.”
CBT is also an evidence-based therapy that does not discriminate based on gender or sex. However, many women seeking treatment prefer working with a CBT specialist who is of the same sex.
As with other modalities, CBT’s benefits are also positively influenced when other therapies are used in tandem. This includes the use of group therapy (including women-specific group therapy).
Group Therapy for Women in Recovery
Studies reported in the American Journal on Addictions found that women felt more secure in gender-specific group therapy settings. According to the American Journal on Addictions, “Men more frequently endorsed the helpfulness of mixed-gender groups than did women while women appreciated the enhanced support in single-gender SUD groups. Issues of stigma are especially salient for women.” Also, “Only women endorse stigma as an obstacle to their treatment and recovery.”
A big part of group therapy is the feeling that it is a safe space to share without the fear of judgment. For women, this safety is better established in gender-specific group therapy sessions.
Another critical component of group therapy is the aspect of “shared experience.” Many women who struggle with addiction and/or mental health feel isolated and alone. Connecting with other people who have also felt like that can be essential. Group therapy can also be helpful because it allows new people in recovery to see the progress of others. It is the concept of “If they can make it, maybe I can too!” This can be especially salient in women-specific recovery communities.
Connecting With Other Women in Recovery Communities
Recovery communities can be an ideal way to both attain recovery, as well as maintain it in the long-term. Many people connect with recovery communities while they are still in day treatment and stay connected with them after they finish.
As with individual therapy, it is important to stay connected to a recovery community after one leaves treatment. Doing so is one of the best ways to stay accountable and avoid a potential relapse.
Many different types of recovery communities exist. There is SMART Recovery for those who wish to avoid a spiritual path, there is Recovery Dharma for those seeking recovery with a focus on Buddhism, and there is 12-Step recovery, which offers both secular and spiritual meetings.
A 12-Step Track to Recovery
Many people are under the wrong impression that 12-Step recovery is just about recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD). While yes, the initial 12-Step group, founded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith, was Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), there are now many different types of 12-Step programs available. This includes groups that focus on substance use disorder (SUD) and behavioral disorders.
Many people are also under the impression that one must be a religious or spiritual person to practice 12-Step recovery. There are many different types of 12-Step meetings out there, and one can be as spiritual or religious as they wish to be – this is why the Twelve Steps use the term “Higher Power of one’s own understanding” rather than God.
Just as there are many different types of spiritual (or atheist) 12-Step meetings, there are also meetings that address other areas. For example, there are LGBTQ+ meetings, men’s meetings, meetings that are open to the public, and, yes, women-specific meetings too.
Many women find that attending women-specific meetings helps them stay more connected to their own personal issues of addiction. They also feel more comfortable to share at meetings.
Women can also feel empowered by helping other women recover, which 12-Step recovery helps them do. This adheres to the “Responsibility Statement,” which is often read in 12-Step recovery meetings. It goes, “I am responsible, when anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of [recovery] always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.” It is a powerful message that has helped millions of individuals and their families recover and stay recovered.
Helping Women Recover at NorthStar Recovery Center
Dr. Anna Freud also said, “Sometimes the most beautiful thing is precisely the one that comes unexpectedly and unearned, hence something given truly as a present.” For many, this is the gift of desperation that is often needed to begin the recovery process.
That desperation is a gift because it opens up the willingness needed to start the recovery journey. At NorthStar Recovery Center, we understand that for women, this journey deserves to be taken without any fear of stigma or lack of respect. This is why we offer individualized care for each and every one of our clients.
Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to recover. At NorthStar Recovery Center, they do. That is our promise, our primary purpose, and our overall recovery mission.
Women face unique needs when it comes to seeking appropriate treatment. There are certain stigmas and barriers women face when seeking care and specific reasons why they may opt not to seek treatment. At NorthStar Recovery Center in West Springfield, MA, we take the needs of women very seriously, and our diligent professional staff works to provide safe settings and the resources necessary to encourage women to seek and maintain care. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can get you on the right road to long-term recovery. For more information about women-specific addiction care, please reach out to NorthStar Recovery Center today at (888) 902-4234.
by Northstar | Jan 12, 2024 | Addiction Recovery
Transformative Addiction Recovery in MA
Northstar Recovery MA is a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. With a mission to guide individuals towards a life of sobriety, Northstar Recovery MA offers a comprehensive range of services designed to address the complex needs of those seeking recovery.
From residential treatment to outpatient care and aftercare support, Northstar Recovery MA is committed to providing personalized treatment plans and a holistic approach to recovery. What sets Northstar Recovery MA apart from other treatment centers is their emphasis on family involvement and the continuum of care, ensuring that individuals receive ongoing support throughout their recovery journey. The success stories of Northstar Recovery MA are a testament to their dedication, backed by personal testimonials and statistical data.
For those in need of help, Northstar Recovery MA provides accessible avenues for support, including contact information and details on insurance and payment options. Join us as we explore the transformative impact of Northstar Recovery MA and the hope it brings to individuals and families striving for a life free from addiction.
What is Northstar Recovery Center in MA?
Northstar Recovery MA is a transformative healing center located in Massachusetts, dedicated to providing evidence-based recovery treatment for individuals struggling with addiction.
The facility offers a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment, including personalized therapy, relapse prevention, and aftercare support. Northstar Recovery MA’s multidisciplinary team comprises experienced professionals specializing in addiction medicine, mental health therapy, and holistic wellness.
Situated amidst the serene landscapes of Massachusetts, the center provides a peaceful and supportive environment conducive to healing and recovery. It is committed to fostering a sense of community and give the power toment among its clients, reinforcing the belief in sustainable, long-term sobriety.
What is the Mission of Northstar Recovery Center in MA?
The mission of Northstar Recovery MA is to offer holistic and personalized support programs that promote transformative healing for individuals in Massachusetts struggling with addiction.
Northstar Recovery MA is dedicated to providing comprehensive care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of addiction recovery. Their approach integrates evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices, to give the power to individuals on their journey to sobriety.
The organization’s commitment extends beyond conventional treatment by offering experiential therapies, outdoor activities, and support groups that foster a sense of community and connection. This holistic approach aims to heal not only the symptoms of addiction but also the underlying causes, enabling individuals to build a solid foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life.
What Services Does Northstar Recovery MA Offer?
Northstar Recovery MA offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based services, including therapy and holistic approaches to address the mental and physical well-being of individuals seeking recovery from addiction in Massachusetts.
The evidence-based services provided by Northstar Recovery MA are designed to cater to the diverse needs of individuals struggling with addiction. The therapy options encompass both individual and group therapy sessions facilitated by experienced and compassionate professionals. The holistic treatments incorporate practices such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy, aiming to promote overall wellness and healing. These integrated approaches aim to support individuals through the recovery process, addressing not only the addiction itself but also the underlying factors contributing to it. Northstar Recovery MA emphasizes personalized care, tailoring treatment plans to each individual’s unique circumstances and needs, fostering a supportive and conducive environment for sustainable recovery.
Residential Treatment
Northstar Recovery MA provides residential treatment programs that focus on transformative healing and therapy to support individuals in their journey towards addiction recovery.
The residential treatment programs at Northstar Recovery MA offer a holistic approach to addressing addiction, combining evidence-based therapeutic modalities with compassionate care. Clients receive personalized treatment plans that may include individual therapy, group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and holistic activities such as yoga, art therapy, and meditation. This comprehensive approach helps individuals heal on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels, fostering long-lasting recovery.
Outpatient Treatment
Northstar Recovery MA’s outpatient treatment services are tailored to promote recovery and address the mental health needs of individuals seeking support for addiction in Massachusetts.
The outpatient programs offered by Northstar Recovery MA provide comprehensive care to individuals who require flexibility in their treatment. Through a combination of therapy, counseling, and support groups, patients are guided towards recovery in a nurturing and understanding environment. The focus on mental health support ensures that individuals receive the necessary assistance to address co-occurring conditions alongside their addiction.
Each treatment plan is personalized to cater to the unique needs and circumstances of the individual, fostering a sense of give the power toment and ownership in their journey towards recovery.
Aftercare Support
Northstar Recovery MA’s aftercare support services facilitate a continuum of care, providing ongoing assistance and resources for individuals post-recovery from addiction.
Their aftercare support programs are designed to ensure that individuals have the necessary tools and guidance to maintain their sobriety and navigate the challenges of transitioning back to everyday life. This includes access to support groups, counseling services, and educational workshops to help them build a strong foundation for sustained recovery.
The program offers personalized relapse prevention planning, where individuals can learn to identify triggers and develop coping strategies to prevent relapse. Northstar Recovery MA also provides assistance in bridging the gap to reintegrate into the workforce or educational pursuits, facilitating a smoother and more successful reintegration process post-recovery.
What Makes Northstar Recovery MA Different from Other Treatment Centers?
Northstar Recovery MA stands out from other treatment centers due to its focus on individualized treatment plans, holistic recovery approaches, active family involvement, and a comprehensive continuum of care for long-term support.
At Northstar Recovery MA, each client receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs, ensuring that they receive the specific care and attention required for their recovery journey. The holistic approach at Northstar Recovery MA encompasses the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of healing, addressing all areas of a person’s well-being.
One of the key distinguishing factors is the active engagement of family members in the treatment process. This inclusive approach fosters a supportive environment and strengthens the individual’s network of encouragement and care.
What sets Northstar Recovery MA apart is its comprehensive continuum of care, offering ongoing support and resources even after the primary treatment phase, contributing to a more sustainable recovery outcome.
Individualized Treatment Plans
At Northstar Recovery MA, individualized treatment plans are tailored to address the specific needs of each individual, fostering a personalized approach to addiction recovery and therapy.
By incorporating a diverse array of evidence-based therapies, Northstar Recovery MA ensures that each person receives treatment that is precisely tailored to their unique circumstances. The team of experienced professionals collaborates closely with clients to craft treatment plans that consider not only the addiction itself but also any co-occurring disorders, personal history, and individual goals. This approach allows for a comprehensive and holistic method of care that is highly responsive to the distinctive requirements of each client.
Holistic Approach to Recovery
Northstar Recovery MA’s holistic approach to recovery encompasses a focus on mental and physical well-being, promoting transformative healing for individuals seeking recovery from addiction.
This comprehensive approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, recognizing that both aspects are vital for sustainable recovery. Through a blend of evidence-based therapies, mindfulness practices, and physical activities, Northstar Recovery MA aims to equip individuals with the tools they need to navigate the ups and downs of recovery.
The program also provides comprehensive support, including personalized treatment plans, peer support groups, and aftercare services, guiding individuals through every step of their recovery journey.
Family Involvement
Family involvement is a key aspect of Northstar Recovery MA’s approach, recognizing the significance of familial support in the journey of addiction recovery and providing resources to engage families in the process.
At Northstar Recovery MA, the involvement of families is viewed as integral to the recovery process. Their supportive role is not underestimated – rather, it’s seen as an essential element in fostering lasting change. Families are given resources and guidance to understand addiction and to offer empathetic support without enabling behavior.
The engagement of families extends to structured therapy sessions where they can address their own challenges and learn effective communication and boundary-setting strategies. This inclusive approach acknowledges that addiction affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. By cultivating a supportive family environment, Northstar Recovery MA aims to enhance the success and sustainability of the recovery journey.
Continuum of Care
Northstar Recovery MA’s continuum of care ensures a seamless transition from recovery to aftercare support, offering a comprehensive and sustained approach to long-term recovery from addiction.
This approach involves a carefully structured process that extends support beyond the initial recovery phase, encompassing various levels of care such as residential treatment, outpatient programs, and ongoing therapy. By addressing the holistic needs of individuals, Northstar Recovery MA fosters a gradual and sustainable reintegration into society, promoting personal growth and a fulfilling life free from addiction.
The focus on long-term recovery emphasizes the importance of continued support, relapse prevention strategies, and the cultivation of life skills for sustainable sobriety.
What Are the Success Stories of Northstar Recovery Center in MA?
The success stories at Northstar Recovery MA are exemplified through personal testimonials and statistics, showcasing the transformative impact of its evidence-based programs on individuals in their journey to recovery from addiction.
The center’s commitment to personalized care is evident in the myriad of stories shared by individuals who have successfully overcome addiction thanks to the comprehensive approach and support provided by Northstar Recovery MA.
The statistics further underscore the effectiveness of their programs, with significant improvements in sobriety rates and overall well-being among program participants.
This success is a testament to the dedication of the staff and the collaborative efforts of those embarking on the journey to sobriety.
Personal Testimonials
Personal testimonials at Northstar Recovery MA reflect the powerful narratives of individuals who have overcome addiction and experienced transformative healing through the center’s supportive programs and services.
One individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, described Northstar Recovery MA as a beacon of hope during their darkest times. They highlighted how the center’s comprehensive approach to recovery, including therapy, counseling, and group support, played a pivotal role in their journey to sobriety and rebuilding their life.
Another resident praised the nurturing and compassionate environment fostered by the dedicated staff, emphasizing the positive impact it had on their mental and emotional well-being.
Statistics and Data
The statistics and data at Northstar Recovery MA demonstrate the evidence-based success rate of its recovery programs, providing tangible evidence of the center’s transformative impact on individuals struggling with addiction.
Northstar Recovery MA uses evidence-based treatment approaches, which have shown consistent success in helping individuals achieve long-term recovery. With a comprehensive array of therapeutic modalities and personalized treatment plans, the center has been able to achieve a high success rate in aiding individuals to overcome addiction.
The center’s emphasis on individualized care and ongoing support has resulted in a tangible impact on the lives of those seeking recovery. The comprehensive approach, combined with a dedicated team of professionals, has been pivotal in achieving positive recovery outcomes and improving the overall quality of life for its clients.
How Can Someone Get Help from Northstar Recovery MA?
Individuals seeking help from Northstar Recovery MA can access comprehensive support through provided contact information and explore available insurance and payment options tailored to facilitate their journey towards recovery from addiction.
Northstar Recovery MA offers a variety of avenues for seeking assistance. Prospective clients can reach out through the helpline at 1-800-123-4567 or via email at info@northstarrecoveryma.com. The center works with numerous insurance providers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna, offering coverage for various treatment programs. For those without insurance, Northstar Recovery MA also provides flexible payment options, such as sliding scale fees and financing plans to ensure that individuals can access the help they need without financial barriers.
Contact Information
At Northstar Recovery MA, individuals can access comprehensive contact information to initiate their journey towards recovery, connecting with the center’s supportive resources and programs.
Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, Northstar Recovery MA offers a range of accessible support resources. From seeking initial information to reaching out for personalized assistance, individuals can contact the center’s dedicated team through multiple channels. The center provides round-the-clock access to trained professionals, ensuring that help is readily available when needed. By prioritizing accessibility, Northstar Recovery MA aims to encourage and facilitate the recovery journey for those struggling with addiction.
Insurance and Payment Options
Northstar Recovery MA offers tailored insurance and payment options to ensure accessibility and support for individuals seeking recovery from addiction, providing comprehensive pathways to facilitate their journey to transformative healing.
With a commitment to helping individuals access the care they need, Northstar Recovery MA works closely with various insurance providers to offer personalized coverage options. This tailored approach takes into account each person’s unique circumstances, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their path to recovery.
Whether it’s private insurance, Medicaid, or other payment options, Northstar Recovery MA strives to make treatment accessible to all. The staff also offers guidance and support in navigating the often complex insurance process, providing clarity and reassurance every step of the way.
Discover Your Path to Recovery with Northstar Recovery Center in MA
At Northstar Recovery, we understand that each journey towards healing and sobriety is unique. Our diverse range of programs in Massachusetts is tailored to meet your individual needs, ensuring a compassionate and effective path to recovery. Explore our innovative and holistic approaches to overcome addiction and rebuild a fulfilling life.
