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Tips for women in recovery

Start with one manageable step, such as telling someone you trust how you have been feeling.

These tips offer practical ways to protect your well-being, respond to difficult moments, and consider care that respects your choices.

Created by Tim Francis, SUD and Mental Health Content Specialist

Updated

You do not have to prove that you are struggling enough to deserve support.

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Original article

Your options may include learning about substance use and addiction treatment for women and exploring addiction treatment programs for women when personal strategies are no longer enough.

Women and men experience substance use disorders in unique ways, so we focus on women’s physical and mental needs in recovery. Let us help you break down the barriers that prevent you from getting the help you need. If you have tried to quit on your own, you don’t have to feel embarrassed. At our outpatient women’s treatment center, you can lean on our dedicated staff and support other women in recovery. To learn more about our treatment options, contact Women’s Recovery today at 833.754.0554.

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Tips

Women often feel a greater degree of guilt and shame for substance use disorders. These feelings are particularly prevalent for women who have children or act as primary caregivers for other family members. We teach all our clients to check in the guilt and shame at the door. They can only hurt you. Instead, bring your determination and commitment to every session, drug test, and medication check-in.

Build a Strong Support System

Women thrive when they have strong relationships with other women. We make it easy to make connections in our women’s addiction treatment program. When you build a strong support network, you can help other women by providing support and learning from others in group therapy.

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Develop New Passions

Developing new interests helps you leave illicit drug and alcohol use behind, such as learning new hobbies or focusing on nutrition and physical fitness. Finding new things that you love to do can help you avoid a relapse. New skills can help you build your confidence and find people who share your interests. If you have left behind friends who still abuse drugs or alcohol, this can help you rebuild your support system.

Find Better Ways to Manage Stress

Accept Yourself With Patience and Love

Women with substance use disorders often suffer from low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. These feelings may stem from being undervalued by those they care about or derive from the guilt and shame associated with drug abuse. However, you can’t learn effective coping mechanisms until you forgive yourself and accept that you have a right to happiness and productive living.

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Know Your Triggers

You may already have a pretty good idea of what people, events, and emotions trigger your cravings for drugs or alcohol. At our women’s treatment center, each woman focuses on her unique triggers and learns ways to face them without relapsing.

Contact Women’s Recovery in Colorado For Treatment

Women’s Recovery can meet the needs of women facing substance use disorders. Our outpatient treatment program in a female-specific setting creates a safe space for women learning to rebuild their lives in recovery.

Our exceptional treatment programs include therapy geared toward specific dependencies, such as the following:

Our kind, caring staff members can support you through dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Let us help you heal from traumatic experiences and take ownership of your future health and wellness. Using evidence-based intervention techniques, we provide a healthy atmosphere for lifelong recovery. Contact us at 833.754.0554 for more information on our services or to speak with an admissions counselor today.

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Common questions

Explore for the people who love her and contact us for related guidance. Call admissions when you want to discuss your own situation.

Call Admissions
01 What if recovery is not going as planned?

A difficult day does not erase the work you have already done. Return to the next supportive action available, such as eating, resting, attending care, or contacting someone you trust. Recovery can include setbacks and renewed effort. If substance use resumes, professional support can help you reassess your needs without shame.

02 How do I know whether I need more support?

Support can matter even when you are unsure whether your concerns are serious enough. Substance-related problems are treatable, and care can occur in different settings. A conversation with a trusted person or professional may ease isolation and help you consider options that fit your present needs and willingness to participate.

03 Can mental health concerns affect substance use recovery?

Women’s Recovery does not treat eating disorders. We can help you find specialized eating disorder care.

04 How can I support a woman I love in recovery?

Listen calmly and take her concerns seriously. Offer practical companionship without controlling her decisions or demanding immediate change. You can help reduce the burden by making space for an honest conversation and supporting her choice to explore care. Family support can remain valuable while respecting her privacy, boundaries, and pace.

05 How can I contact us?

You can call Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 for a conversation about what is happening and what kind of support you are seeking. Women’s Recovery is located at 3801 E Florida Ave, Ste 650, Denver, CO 80210. You do not need to have everything figured out when you contact the Denver team.

Evidence behind this page

Supporting health information

Read how we select health information sources and apply the Women’s Recovery editorial policy. These references provide general education and context; they do not establish an individual diagnosis, service, or treatment recommendation.

If you can't believe that yet, borrow my hope. Just long enough to find your own.

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