Abundant experiences show that women are far more stigmatized and discriminated against compared with men when struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. If they are mothers, it worsens the stigmatization and is a crucial reason why many delay or avoid seeking help.

 

Women have very scarce choices for addiction treatment in Chile. It is even more insufficient if we look for centers allowing women and their children. The Quilicura Program is one of these few options. Most of the nationwide care capacity in rehab programs is set for men. Monthly SENDA’s capacity (*) to care for women is 798 and 5,758 for men. In 2021, SENDA served 2,313 women, where 2 out of 3 were outpatient options; however, 4 out of 5 were women with one or more children. (*) SENDA-Chile: Prevention & Rehab national service of drug and alcohol consumption.