Well-Woman Program

In addition to the physical ravages of substance abuse, nearly half of those suffering from addiction face mental health issues as well referred to as co-occurring conditions or being dually diagnosed. Drug and alcohol problems and mental illness often go hand-in-hand. Frequently only one of the two problems is identified. The patient diagnosed with a mental disorder may deny their drinking or substance abuse, while substance abuse can disguise the mental disorder. Frustration and depression can even hinder one's ability to recognize and ask for help. Evidence now supports the view that most co-occurring disorders are independent disorders and that each condition requires its own treatment.

Every woman admitted to Wayside House is assessed medically and psychiatrically along with their addiction history. Wayside House has been on the forefront of this concern for the past 10 years; understanding co-occurring disorders and developing the expertise to treat both. Lower success rates and higher costs have been documented when one disorder is treated and the other ignored.

The goal is to teach a woman how to better understand the unique nature of her illness, manage medications and their possible side effects, and identify likely relapse triggers.