Women and Addiction: Offering Understanding and Support

On March 8, Portage marked International Women’s Rights Day, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the issues women face in various aspects of their lives. The issue of women and addiction is often misunderstood, not to mention taboo. Women often struggle with addiction on their own for fear of being stigmatized and judged and because their family responsibilities make access to support services more complicated. At Portage, we offer solutions that are tailored to these women’s specific needs with our Mother and Child Centre and our Ribambelle Daycare.

“Women with addiction face unique challenges in the areas of stigma, trauma, co-occurring disorders, gender inequalities and motherhood. […] ” – Peter Vamos, President of ICAA and Executive Director of the Portage Program, speaking at the Portage International Women and Addiction Symposium   in Saint John, New Brunswick, on October 3, 2022.

Unique Challenges

Many women with substance use disorders have had very difficult lives. Some have experienced domestic violence or other forms of abuse, others bear the mental load of shouldering many responsibilities alone, including raising their children on their own, struggling with financial difficulties or dealing with mental health issues. That mental load can lead them to seek out coping mechanisms that endanger their personal equilibrium and that of their family.

Unlike men, women tend to hide their substance use problems for fear of what others may think, which may prevent them from asking for help.  Many feel extremely guilty and ashamed, which only isolates them more. One of the main things preventing women from seeking support is their fear of losing custody of their children.  As a result, they often find themselves in a vicious circle, struggling on their own without the support they need to lead a more stable life.

The Mother and Child Program Offers Tailored Support

Portage firmly believes that women should not have to choose between rehabilitation and parenting. Our  Mother and Child Program allows women to live with their young children while they are going through rehabilitation. Our program provides a welcoming and structured environment where they can receive psychological support, take part in parenting activities and rebuild their lives without being separated from their children.

The Ribambelle Daycare: A Key Feature of our Support Program

The Mother and Child Program also includes a daycare where children stay while their mothers are in therapy or taking part in the centre’s various activities. The Ribambelle daycare provides children with a stable and stimulating routine, while giving moms the peace of mind they need to focus on their own well-being. The daycare is a vital means of reinforcing the mother-child bond and promoting lasting and positive reintegration.

Breaking taboos and offering a better future

Raising awareness about the unique issues faced by women with substance use challenges and providing them with tailored services is essential. This March, as well as celebrating women’s strength and resiliency, let’s remember how important it is to support them on their journey towards a happy, healthy life. Portage is proud to play its part in achieving that goal by offering concrete solutions to those in need.

To learn more about what we do:

• Read the testimonial of a former Mother and Child Centre resident.
• Lean more about Portage’s first subsidized daycare.
• We’re hiring! Join our team as an Early Childhood Educator. See our  job offer.