Women, who abuse alcohol and other substances, face greater risks to their health than their male counterparts. Evidence shows they become addicted faster and suffer the consequences of abuse-related illnesses sooner. So much sooner that by the time their addiction is recognized they may have already developed permanent damage to their health. Women are at higher risk for:

Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
Cancer
HIV/AIDS
Hepatitis B and C
Lung disease
Obesity
Mental disorders
Rape
Unplanned pregnancy

Women suffer addiction differently than men. Cast in roles as nurturers, caretakers, wives, mothers, and sexual partners, a woman’s development and experiences are viewed in relationship to those around her. Social attitudes and double standards create a different set of expectations for her behavior. As a result, women endure greater stigma and isolation from friends, family, and outside connections. She tends to suffer alone.

Women are also the fastest growing segment of substance abusers in the country. However, until only a few years ago, very little research was done around the special needs of women. Research funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows repeatedly that gender matters in substance abuse treatment. Women recovering in an environment created just for women remain in treatment longer, achieve better abstinence rates and are more than twice as likely to complete treatment.

Wayside House offers three levels of treatment: Residential (including the Well Woman program), Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient.

Wayside House has always served the unique needs of women. Since 1974, women have been gathering under our roof to confront and confide with others facing the same hardships. Mother’s issues, social associations, intimate relationships, health and wellness distinctive to women are shared in a safe, non-judgmental, supportive community.