Authors
31/03/2026
Women in a specific therapeutic community for addictions: A review of the reasons for discharge from a gender perspective
abstract
Introduction. Addiction treatments were traditionally designed with a male-centric approach, assuming that drug addiction was primarily a male problem. However, social changes and increased visibility of women in public spaces have challenged this perspective, and current treatments have not been adequately tailored to meet the unique needs of women seeking residential treatment. Method. This retrospective quantitative study examines data from the last five years of a specific women’s addiction treatment center, exploring the relationship between sociodemographic variables and treatment initiation and progression. Results. While some findings align with those of the general population, others reinforce previously identified gender-specific profiles, and highlight discrepancies related to the significance of motherhood. Conclusions. Adopting a gender perspective and promoting qualitative research can help overcome existing barriers in addiction treatment for women, while also allowing for a more nuanced understanding of what is currently known. These insights can inform the development of more effective and tailored treatments for women seeking help for addiction.
Keywords:
Gender perspective; Drugs; Motherhood; Addiction treatments; Therapeutic community.