Women’s History Month: Women & Addiction

March is Women’s History Month! This month, we celebrate the triumphs and contributions of women in our society and remember the critical role they continue to play in our history, our communities and our lives. 

In the recovery community, the experience of women has been unique and inspiring. 

It is worth noting that substance use disorder is an illness that plagues all genders. But there have certainly been recognizable differences in its affect on women.

Women have long had a history with addiction; documentation of such dates back to the 1780s. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that addiction research broadened its focus to include women and their experiences. In studies since, a few marked differences have been identified:

• Women face more challenges in addiction and recovery
• Women move from substance use to dependence more rapidly 
• Women are more susceptible to relapse

Because of this research (and women’s inclusion in these studies), today we have a better understanding than ever before how best to help women find – and stay on – their path to sobriety. 

We now recognize that women benefit from recovery plans that go beyond traditional addiction programs and focus on a holistic approach that accounts for both biological and cultural challenges women face in their addiction and recovery experiences. 

That’s exactly what Dove Recovery House aims to provide. 

As Marion County’s largest recovery residence for women, hundreds of women have made Dove Recovery House their home as they seek recovery from substance use disorder. Today, more than 70% of our residents have successfully completed or are on track to complete the program.

For women who turn to Dove House, they have a safe place to call home. And, they are empowered to face the root causes challenging their recovery journey through wrap-around, comprehensive programming like trauma therapy, life skills and job-readiness classes, family reunification services and much more. 

This Women’s History Month, we honor all the women in our lives who are empowering themselves and others to become substance-free, self-sufficient and healthy. And who continue to give us all hope for a brighter future!