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Women's Alcohol Recovery Resource Information

Women face special challenges in recovering from alcoholism, including the need to feel safe in a rehab setting, self-esteem issues and caring for their children while getting well. Specialized programs address these concerns.

  1. Effects

    • Women react differently to alcohol than men--for example, they get drunk on a smaller amount of alcohol. In addition, society in general shows less tolerance for women alcoholics, especially if they have children.

    Alcoholics Anonymous

    • AA offers special women's only meetings, retreats and conferences, and it operates a closed, online e-mail meeting for women alcoholics, AA Serenity.

    Women for Sobriety

    • Founded by Jean Kirkpatrick, Ph.D., WFS offers a "New Life Program" that stresses positive actions and achieving self-esteem. Trained facilitators with at least a year's sobriety supervise meetings, and WFS operates a web-based community.

    Psychiatrists and Physicians

    • Many women, especially those with mental illnesses such as depression, receive treatment from private psychologists, psychiatrists or physicians. This can include talk therapy and medication.

    Specialized Rehabs

    • Many women delay treatment because they fear separations from their children. Many also fear having their children taken away from them. Some rehab facilities and halfway houses allow women to live with their children while recovering. A local substance abuse clearing house can refer you.

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