Women’s Group Treatment for Substance Use Disorder

Women with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and other Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) have different etiology, mortality, relapse antecedents, clinical presentations, and courses of the disorders than men. This therapist guide addresses the unique problems and treatment needs of women with AUD/SUD and is based on scientific evidence accumulated over 25 years of NIH-funded studies. The book provides detailed guidance for conducting each session, sample dialogue, worksheets, and completed examples for each worksheet, and is designed to be used along with the corresponding client workbook. This cognitive-behavioral, motivation-enhancing guide for therapists can be delivered in inpatient or outpatient settings; designed primarily for group settings, it is also easily adapted for individual use. The program covers 12 weekly sessions to help women to become abstinent, preventing relapse to drinking or drug use, and to generally achieve improvement in quality of life. The therapist guide includes step-by-step instructions for addressing behaviors around drinking and drug use, general coping skills such as problem-solving, assertiveness training, wellness behaviors, and communication training, as well as additional female-specific interventions like social network support and building healthy, supportive relationships. If used in a group format, the therapy harnesses the power of peer support, shared wisdom, and universality of experience to accelerate positive change in desired outcomes. Overcoming alcohol or drug problems is an attainable goal with this effective and comprehensive program.