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AltaPointe Health’s Innovative Approach to Women’s Substance Use Treatment

AltaPointe Health, a prominent provider of behavioral health services in Alabama, is spearheading efforts to tackle substance use disorders among women through an innovative program tailored specifically for them. Traditionally, most substance use treatment programs have been male-focused, leading to a gap in care for women who often face distinct challenges in their recovery journeys.

Addressing Unique Challenges

In a recent discussion, Misty Bowen, the assistant director of substance use programs at AltaPointe, highlighted that women battling addiction frequently contend with unique factors that can exacerbate their issues. Factors like lower income opportunities, childcare responsibilities, and a greater prevalence of trauma are all critical considerations in their treatment. Shockingly, statistics reveal that one in three women experience intimate partner violence during their lifetime, a significant element impacting their susceptibility to substance use disorders.

The Special Women's Program at AltaPointe Health is designed to create a safe, supportive environment for women, where they feel comfortable sharing their experiences and confronting the roots of their addiction. Misty Bowen emphasizes this: "We focus on building a gender-specific space that encourages open dialogue, allowing women to discuss both the initial causes of their addiction and the challenges faced along their pathway to recovery."

Comprehensive Support Systems

The program does not just address the addiction itself; it also works on removing barriers that might prevent women from accessing treatment. This includes assistance in finding childcare and offering flexible treatment hours to accommodate their busy lifestyles. The Special Women's Program employs evidence-based treatment options, which feature talk therapy, the guidance of peer specialists who are themselves in recovery, and medication-assisted treatment options for those grappling with alcohol and opioid use disorders. Such medications can mitigate withdrawal symptoms and cravings and are available in various formats—daily pills or monthly injections—to suit individual needs.

In September of 2024, AltaPointe Health took a significant step by opening a medically-managed withdrawal unit at the Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC) in Mobile, providing a secure space for patients undergoing detoxification. Misty Bowen explains the necessity of this facility, stating, "Withdrawal can be perilous and even life-threatening. Our unit ensures continuous medical supervision to keep patients safe and comfortable during their detox process."

Once detox is complete, patients are smoothly transitioned into outpatient care, such as the Special Women's Program. This program supports continued recovery, medication management, and ongoing counseling where needed.

The Journey to Recovery

Recognizing recovery as a holistic journey is crucial—the process requires addressing the entirety of an individual's experiences, particularly past traumas. Misty Bowen remarks on the transformational aspect of the program: "It’s rewarding to witness each woman’s journey. Some may come in feeling overwhelmed and lost, but through our program, they rediscover their strength, transforming back into the mothers they once were or aspire to be. It's a profound transformation that we are privileged to witness."

AltaPointe Health’s Special Women’s Program stands as a beacon of hope for those facing addiction, offering not just treatment, but a nurturing environment and the resources necessary for women to reclaim their lives and envision a brighter future. For those ready to embark on their road to recovery, AltaPointe invites you to reach out to their access to care team at (251) 450-2211.

About AltaPointe Health

Founded with the mission to provide comprehensive behavioral health services, AltaPointe Health operates across seven counties in Alabama, delivering over a million outpatient, residential, and hospital services annually to more than 40,000 individuals. This level of care ensures that those in need have access to vital support for their mental health and substance use challenges.