Challenges Women Face In Getting Sober

The death rate tied to alcoholism among women rose 85 percent between 1999 and 2017. That’s according to numbers released this month by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. And when it comes to getting sober that process looks different for everyone. Being able to find the individualized help you need is critical. From a lack of childcare to dealing with a violent partner to just feeling comfortable sharing in a meeting space, women face unique challenges seeking treatment for addiction.  

Marissa Kirch is a social worker and the manager of addiction treatment services for Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center in DeKalb. She also oversees a women-only sober home. A’nna Jurich  who is the executive director of the Gateway Foundation Treatment Center in Carbondale. A’nna also runs a women-only in-patient program there. They both joined us. 

If you or someone you know needs help or more resources about addiction, you can call 1-800-662-HELP.