First Responders Rehab - Legacy Healing Center

Understanding Women’s Unique Needs in Recovery

Women and men experience addiction differently, not only in how it manifests but also in how it’s best treated. As psychiatric nurse practitioner Valerie Puffenberger, PMHNP, explains, “The biggest difference is that women tend to experience more interpersonal damage from their addiction.” Family dynamics, societal roles, and cultural expectations, especially those tied to motherhood, can add layers of complexity to a woman’s recovery journey. Women are also more likely to internalize shame, face stigma, and carry trauma, all of which must be addressed with care.

Severity of Addiction

Co-Occurring Disorders

Women in addiction treatment face notably higher rates of co-occurring mental health conditions, especially depression and anxiety. Without addressing both simultaneously, the risk of relapse increases significantly. At Legacy Healing Center, integrated dual-diagnosis care ensures that mental health is treated not as an afterthought but as a core component of sustained recovery.

Addressing Trauma

Women are disproportionately affected by trauma, particularly sexual assault and intimate partner violence, which frequently intersect with substance use. This connection is often cyclical: trauma can lead to substance use, and addiction can further expose individuals to traumatic situations. Healing requires more than detox; it requires a trauma-informed, emotionally safe environment that honors the complexity of each woman’s experience.

Pregnancy and Motherhood

Pregnancy introduces both medical urgency and emotional vulnerability into the recovery process. Many women seek treatment to protect their unborn child or to regain stability for the children already in their care. Legal pressures, social expectations, and maternal responsibility can complicate recovery, but they can also motivate meaningful, lasting change. Treatment must recognize and support a woman’s identity, not just as an individual, but often as a caregiver.

Legacy’s Holistic Approach to Treating Women in Rehab

Professional Athletes Careers Ruined by Drugs

True recovery is not one-dimensional. At Legacy Healing Center, we approach addiction treatment for women holistically, addressing the mind, body, and spirit to support long-term healing and renewal.

Healing the Mind

Healing the Body

Physical restoration begins with medically supervised detox in a safe, supportive environment. For those with co-occurring mental health conditions, our team ensures accurate diagnosis and thoughtful medication management to support stabilization and clarity.

Healing the Spirit

Our women’s therapy groups offer a supportive, judgment-free space where clients build emotional safety and connection. Here, women form meaningful bonds and rediscover joy through shared stories, expressive therapies, and recreational programming. Family support services are also available to help rebuild trust and emotional intimacy outside the treatment environment.

Legacy Healing Center’s Addiction Treatment Programs

Life in Recovery: Sober Living Residences in Cherry Hill, NJ

Legacy Healing Center offers personalized care that empowers women, honoring their unique needs. While we do not currently offer women-only rehab programs, we do provide dedicated women’s group therapy within a co-ed setting, creating supportive and respectful spaces for gender-specific healing.

Inpatient and Residential Program

Our residential rehab programs offer 24/7 medical support, luxury accommodations, and holistic therapies. Clients begin with a thorough assessment and, when necessary, undergo medical detoxification. Treatment plans include therapy, structured routines, and wellness practices that promote balance, resilience, and lasting recovery.

Partial Hospitalization Program

Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers the structure of residential treatment with some flexibility. Patients participate in at least 25 hours of clinical programming per week, including group therapy, individual counseling, and wellness activities—all within a comfortable residential setting.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Our intensive outpatient program supports women as they transition into daily life while maintaining strong therapeutic engagement. With flexible scheduling and a minimum of nine hours of clinical care per week, this program is ideal for those stepping down from inpatient care or seeking structure during vulnerable periods.

Outpatient Program

Designed for clients ready to fully re-enter daily life, our outpatient program offers weekly therapeutic sessions, community support, and access to recovery resources. This phase of care helps women maintain momentum and connection while embracing greater independence.

Family Program

Our family program promotes healing for loved ones and helps create a supportive home environment after treatment. Through education, therapy, and guided discussion, families learn how to support without enabling—and how to rebuild trust through open, healthy communication.

Comprehensive Support After Residential Rehab

Recovery doesn’t end with discharge—it evolves. At Legacy Healing Center, our extended care model offers lasting support and connection. Women benefit from:

  • Continued therapy and check-ins

  • Weekly alumni gatherings and events

  • Year-round outings and community-building activities

  • Peer-led groups and mentorship

  • Guest speakers and personal development workshops

We believe that recovery isn’t just about staying sober. It’s about rediscovering who you are and building a life that reflects your worth, values, and aspirations.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you or a woman you love is struggling with addiction or navigating the challenges of withdrawal, know that you don’t have to face it alone. Legacy Healing Center offers compassionate, expert care designed to meet the unique emotional and physical needs of women in recovery. Our team is available 24/7 at (888) 534-2295 to guide you toward safe, effective treatment—beginning with detox placement and continuing with personalized support every step of the way.

Not sure where to begin? You can quickly and confidentially verify your insurance online or speak directly with one of our experienced addiction specialists. We’re here to help you understand your options, feel informed, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an act of extraordinary courage. Reaching out isn’t just about asking for help; it’s about choosing healing, rediscovering your strength, and reclaiming the life you were meant to live. Let today be the beginning.

Immediate Help and Support

Whether you’re ready to start now or simply exploring your options, these trusted resources are here for you:

  • Legacy Healing Center: Call (888) 534-2295 to speak confidentially with a specialist who understands women’s recovery.
  • SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – Free, confidential support available 24/7 for individuals and families facing substance use disorders.
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 from any phone for immediate assistance in a mental health or substance-related crisis.

You’re not alone—support is just one step away.