Women's pathways into addiction and recovery are often different from men's — shaped by trauma, relationships, motherhood, and social stigma. Women-specific treatment programs recognize these differences and create a safe space to address them directly.
Levels of Care
The right level of care depends on the severity of use, medical needs, family situation, and personal goals. Women may enter treatment at any point on this continuum.
Medical Detox
Safe, medically supervised withdrawal management — essential for alcohol, opioid, and benzo dependence. Women-only detox units are available in Tennessee and provide a more comfortable environment for the process.
- 24/7 medical monitoring
- Medication to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Typically 3–7 days
- Transition planning to next level of care
Residential Inpatient
Live-in treatment away from the environment driving substance use. Women-only residential programs allow open discussion of trauma, relationships, and parenting without self-censorship.
- 30, 60, or 90-day programs
- Daily therapy, groups, and skills building
- Some programs allow children to live on-site
- Trauma-informed care standard
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
Structured treatment that allows women to remain at home — important for mothers with childcare responsibilities. Typically 3 days/week, 3 hours per session.
- 9–15 hours/week of programming
- Individual and group counseling
- Flexible scheduling around family needs
- Relapse prevention and life skills
Outpatient Counseling
Weekly or bi-weekly sessions with a counselor. Best for women with mild to moderate substance use or as ongoing maintenance after higher levels of care.
- 1–2 sessions per week
- Individual therapy focus
- Medication management if needed
- Covered by TennCare and most insurance
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT is safe and effective for women, including during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and struggling with opioid use disorder, treatment is the safest choice for you and your baby.
Suboxone (Buprenorphine)
Reduces cravings and blocks opioid effects. Considered safe during pregnancy and often the recommended approach for pregnant women with OUD. Available through outpatient providers.
Methadone
The longest-established MAT option and widely used for pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Dispensed at licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs) with daily visits.
Vivitrol (Naltrexone)
Monthly injection that blocks opioid and alcohol effects. Appropriate for women who have completed detox and are not pregnant. Strong accountability built into the monthly schedule.
Alcohol Use Disorder Medications
Campral and oral naltrexone are FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder. Your provider can help determine which is appropriate based on your medical history and goals.
Issues Commonly Addressed in Women's Programs
Women's programs address the full picture — not just substance use, but the experiences and pressures that surround it.
Trauma & Sexual Abuse
The majority of women in treatment have a trauma history. Trauma-informed care and evidence-based therapies like EMDR and Seeking Safety are standard in quality women's programs.
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Specialized programs support pregnant women through safe MAT, prenatal care coordination, and postpartum recovery. Seeking treatment during pregnancy is the right decision — not a risk.
Parenting & Custody
Fear of losing custody is a major barrier for mothers seeking treatment. Many programs offer parenting classes, family therapy, and case management to support custody goals.
Co-occurring Mental Health
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders commonly co-occur with substance use in women. Dual-diagnosis programs treat all conditions together rather than sequentially.
What to Expect When You Call
Reaching out for help takes courage. Here's what typically happens when you contact a treatment center:
- A brief phone assessment — they'll ask about what you're using, how long, and any medical concerns including pregnancy
- Insurance verification — most admissions teams will check your coverage before you arrive
- Childcare options — ask specifically whether the program accommodates children or can help coordinate childcare
- An admissions date — many programs can admit within 24–72 hours
- No judgment — admissions staff are trained to meet you where you are