Women and Addiction: A Trauma-Informed Approach

Treatment for women's addictions is apt to be ineffective unless it acknowledges the realities of women's lives, which include the high prevalence of violence and other types of abuse. A history of being abused increases the likelihood that a woman will abuse alcohol and other drugs. This article presents the definition of and principles for gender-responsive services and the Women's Integrated Treatment (WIT) model. This model is based on three foundational theories: relational-cultural theory, addiction theory, and trauma theory. It also recommends gender-responsive, trauma-informed curricula to use for women's and girls' treatment services' (p. 377). Topics discussed in this article include: gender-responsive services'the issue of gender, gender responsive principles, and common themes in the lives of addicted women; Women's Integrated Treatment (WIT); becoming trauma-informed; link between trauma, substance abuse and other health issues; creating programs for women and girls; and providing treatment. http://www.stephaniecovington.com/articles-and-publications.php