About This Program
Women experience addiction differently than men, from the biological mechanisms of dependence to the social circumstances that surround substance use and the barriers that prevent women from seeking treatment. At Trust SoCal, our JCAHO-accredited treatment center in Fountain Valley, California, we offer gender-responsive programming that recognizes these differences and provides women with a treatment experience designed around their specific needs, challenges, and strengths.
Biologically, women develop substance dependence faster than men, a phenomenon researchers call telescoping. Women generally have lower body water content, different enzyme activity, and hormonal fluctuations that affect how substances are metabolized and how quickly tolerance and dependence develop. This means that women often present for treatment with more severe addiction despite a shorter history of use. Our medical team understands these biological differences and tailors detox protocols and medication management accordingly.
Trauma is a central issue in women's addiction treatment. Research consistently shows that women in treatment for substance use disorders report histories of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at significantly higher rates than their male counterparts. Domestic violence, sexual assault, childhood abuse, and human trafficking are among the traumatic experiences that commonly underlie women's substance use. Trust SoCal's trauma-informed approach creates a safe therapeutic environment where women can process these experiences without re-traumatization, using evidence-based modalities including EMDR, somatic experiencing, and Seeking Safety.
Childcare concerns represent one of the most significant barriers preventing women from entering treatment. Many women are the primary caregivers for their children and cannot envision stepping away from that responsibility. Our admissions team works with each client to develop a childcare plan, connect them with community resources, and address custody concerns so that the logistical challenges of childcare do not prevent a mother from getting the help she needs. We also address the shame and guilt that many mothers feel about their addiction, which can be a powerful obstacle to recovery. If you are a woman struggling with addiction, or if you love someone who is, call Trust SoCal today at (949) 280-8360 to learn about our women's program at our Fountain Valley facility.
