AltaPointe Health, a leading provider of behavioral health services in Alabama, is making strides in addressing substance use disorders among women. The Special Women's Program is a comprehensive treatment initiative designed specifically to meet the unique needs of women battling addiction.

Historically, substance use treatment programs have been tailored more toward men, as they were more likely to seek treatment. However, AltaPointe Health recognizes that women face different challenges that may contribute to addiction and hinder recovery.

Women tend to face different issues than men, like lower wages, childcare responsibilities, and more trauma. For example, one in three women has been a victim of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. And that can't be overlooked when it comes to addiction," explained Misty Bowen, assistant director of substance use programs at AltaPointe Health.

The heart of the Special Women's Program lies in creating a safe, gender-specific environment where women feel comfortable addressing the underlying causes of their addiction.

"Whether its issues that may have initiated their addiction or experiences that happened during the course of their addiction, we create a space where they can openly talk about these challenges and receive the support they need to overcome them," added Bowen.

AltaPointe also actively works to remove barriers that women face when seeking treatment, such as assisting patients in finding childcare options and offering treatment hours that are more convenient for women juggling multiple responsibilities.

The Special Women's Program offers a variety of evidence-based treatment options, including talk therapy, peer specialists who have lived experience in recovery, and medication-assisted treatment for alcohol and opioid use disorders. These medications can help ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and they come in various forms - daily pills or monthly injections - to meet individual needs.