Too often women struggling with substance use disorder and mental disorders are ignored, not taken seriously, or silenced. When women are able to talk openly about their addiction, mental health, and recovery, it not only helps to break down stigma, but it raises awareness of the reality of addiction and mental illness.
At SAFE Project, we believe all women deserve to be heard and should have access to substance use disorder and mental health resources that address their specific needs.
Resources on Addiction & Substance Use Disorder:
- Caring for Women with Opioid Use Disorder: A Toolkit for Organization Leaders and Providers
- Center for Research on Women with Disabilities
- Substance Abuse Treatment for Racially and Ethnically Diverse Women
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Substance Use in Women: This research report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse highlights the unique challenges women with substance use disorder faced compared to men.
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Women Seeking Recovery From Addiction (via Verywell Mind)
Resources for Mental Health:
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- Take the #NoShame pledge: Join SAFE Project’s national movement to combat stigma, because there’s #NoShame in getting help for mental health and addiction.
- Women Veterans’ Mental Health (via Center for Women Veterans)
- Women’s Mental Health (via Office on Women’s Health)
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Women and Mental Health (via National Institute of Mental Health)
Support during Pregnancy: 
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Resources on Opioid Use During Pregnancy (via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Pregnancy & Recovery (via Recovery Research Institute)
- Sober Moms, Healthy Babies
- Pregnancy and Substance Use: A Harm Reduction Toolkit (via National Harm Reduction Coalition)
- Pregnancy And Postpartum Disorders (via Mental Health America)
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Critical Support Where High-Risk Pregnancy Meets Addiction (via Health Affairs)
Stories of Recovery:
- Amy’s Story (Families Recover Too): Amy shares how creating connections with others after his death made it possible for her, and her young family, to recover after losing her husband Alex to an overdose.
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Disrupting the cycle of addiction, one mother at a time: This article from North Carolina Health News, tells the story of a recovery program for pregnant and postpartum women and their infants.
Lilinoe Kauahikaua - Lilinoe Kauahikaua (SAFE Campus Spotlight): For Lilinoe, recovery means more than just working to overcome substance use disorder, for her, it’s about reconnecting with her roots and culture.
- Melissa’s Story (Women & Recovery): Melissa Hinton, a woman in long-term recovery, knew from experience that women often face unique challenges and barriers to recovery and that something had to be done.
Videos & Podcasts:
- MotherToBaby
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21 Women-Led Recovery Podcasts to Listen to When You Need Hope (via The Temper): A diverse list of women-led podcasts that will give you hope and inspiration on your recovery journey.
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Fighting the Deadly Opioid Epidemic in Our Communities: In this video from Baystate Health, Sandi Cardaropoli shares her story of addiction and recovery.
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Women’s Road To Recovery: This PBS special focuses on the unique challenges and barriers women face when struggling with substance use disorder.
Additional Resources
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ResourceResources for Diverse Populations
As part of our commitment to advocate for marginalized communities within the recovery community, we have put together diverse and inclusive substance use disorder and mental health resources. -
PageJoin the No Shame Movement
Join our national movement to combat stigma, because there’s No Shame in getting help for mental health and addiction. -
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I Need Help:
Quick Links & ResourcesResources for those with addiction or mental health concerns