Men and women can both thrive in a co-ed treatment program. However, gender-specific treatment can be more effective at addressing addiction issues related to a person’s gender.

For example, women are more likely than men to be full-time caretakers of their children and may have limited access to rehab programs because of childcare responsibilities.

From a biological standpoint, women are at higher risk of addiction after only a short period of use. Hormones can affect a woman’s sensitivity to some drugs and cause stronger cravings.

Both men and women have a high rate of co-occurring conditions, but those co-occurring conditions differ. While men are at a greater risk of having anger management issues and PTSD, women experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Addiction treatment for women is better equipped to address these differences.

Women also experience sexual assault and partner violence at a much higher rate than men. It can be difficult for women to talk about these issues in the presence of men. Participating in a women’s rehab program provides a sense of security that allows women to be open about the issues that have influenced their substance use.