In Colorado, addiction recovery advocates stress the need for enhanced resources to support women, particularly mothers, in drug and alcohol recovery. Advocates for Recovery Colorado (AFRC) has announced the opening of three new centers across the state, highlighting the increasing demand for comprehensive addiction treatment.
Tonya Wheeler’s journey from addiction to recovery began after a turning point during her incarceration. As a mother and grandmother, she now champions the cause of addiction recovery for women, focusing on the unique challenges faced by mothers. Many mothers fear losing custody of their children or their freedom, which often deters them from seeking necessary help.
Welfare data shows neglect is a primary reason for child removal in 64% of cases in Colorado. Wheeler argues the state lacks sufficient treatment resources, particularly for pregnant women and mothers, exacerbated by long wait times for treatment entry. In 2019, Colorado allocated $500,000 for a pilot program to aid mothers in substance use treatment, including a mobile childcare classroom by Illuminate Colorado. However, the pilot program’s funding is nearing expiration.
Advocates like Wheeler call for sustainable funding and easier access to services, urging a shift from punitive measures to supportive solutions that prioritize access to drug and alcohol treatment over incarceration. The opening of new centers by AFRC is a step toward meeting these needs, but comprehensive action is required for effective support of women and mothers struggling with addiction.
Colorado must devise strategies to provide adequate support to mothers in addiction recovery, ensuring they can access the necessary resources without fear of losing their children or freedom. This shift could significantly improve outcomes for both mothers and their children, benefiting the broader community.
The Foundry Front Range Womens Treatment Program Uses Holistic Approaches
The challenges highlighted by Advocates for Recovery Colorado resonate with Foundry Front Range’s principles. Substance use disorders are complex medical conditions requiring compassionate and gender-specific treatment. Foundry Front Range emphasizes personalized care, understanding individual needs, and advocating for health and recovery. This includes medically supervised detoxification and residential treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The push for enhanced funding and resources for gender-specific women’s treatment programs reflects a fundamental understanding that access to treatment should not be hindered by economic barriers or societal stigma and that personalized care improves treatment effectiveness.
Family Unity in Addiction Recovery
The issue of family separation underscores a critical aspect of treatment philosophy—keeping families together. Programs like the mobile childcare classroom initiative provide innovative solutions that address fears of losing custody. Such approaches help retain custody and foster recovery environments supported by family presence.
Sustaining Long-Term Recovery for Women
The conversation about funding for women’s programming necessitates more than temporary solutions. Foundry Front Range’s womens treatment program and commitment to continuous improvement ensures treatment methodologies are ongoing and client-focused. Funding models must transition from pilot programs to sustained resources responsive to changing needs.
The advocacy seen in Colorado signifies a shift toward humane strategies prioritizing women’s health, family unity, and long-term outcomes. As behavioral health professionals, it is crucial to remain attuned and empathetic to the unique experiences of individuals in recovery. The lived experiences of advocates like Tonya Wheeler shed light on the needs of all women seeking recovery, ensuring that treatment is relevant and effective.
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Podcast transcript:
Welcome to another episode of Foundry Front Range Behavioral Health Insights. Today, we’re diving into the pressing issue of addiction recovery resources for women in Colorado, a topic that has seen increased attention due to the efforts of advocates like Tonya Wheeler and organizations such as Advocates for Recovery Colorado. The recent opening of three new centers across the state highlights the urgency and demand for comprehensive support systems.
Tonya Wheeler’s inspiring journey from addiction to advocacy underscores the transformative power of accessible, nonjudgmental support and treatment designed for women. Her story is not just about personal redemption but also about the systemic changes needed to support women and mothers facing addiction. Many women, particularly mothers, hesitate to seek addiction treatment for fear of losing custody of their children or facing incarceration. This fear is compounded by the lack of sufficient gender-specific treatment resources, especially for pregnant women and mothers.
The data paints a stark picture: Barriers facing women seeking recovery are significant. Neglect is cited in 64% of child removal cases in Colorado — which is a daunting risk for mothers experiencing substance use disorders. Existing pilot programs, like one funded with $500,000 in 2019, offer some hope but are not enough. These programs, including innovative solutions like a mobile childcare classroom, are nearing the end of their funding, highlighting the need for sustainable financial support.
At Foundry Front Range, we know that substance use disorders affect women and men differently and that these are complex medical conditions that require compassionate, comprehensive treatment. Our approach emphasizes gender-responsive and personalized care and integrated medical care for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The call for enhanced funding and resources aligns with our belief that economic barriers and societal stigma should never hinder access to treatment.
Functional family systems are cornerstones of effective addiction recovery. Innovative solutions that allow mothers to get specialized care and retain custody while receiving treatment, such as the mobile childcare classroom, are vital. Such approaches not only support recovery but also nurture environments where family involvement and support play crucial roles.
