Foundations for a Gender Based Treatment Model for Women in Recovery from Chemical Dependency

Abstract

Since the first treatment program specific to women was opened in 1975, numerous demographic and outcome descriptive studies have been done to measure efficacy of substance abuse treatment for women. Randomized studies are rare, as are empirically based outcome or judgment based care models. Difficulties in comparing studies are noted, and recent literature germane to treatment of women for substance use disorders is reviewed. The Relational Cultural Model is described and suggested as a framework for nursing research. Theoretical advances in the psychology of women are included in suggestions for intervention, treatment, and ongoing care.