Women face unique challenges when it comes to recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. The Women’s Recovery Center in Xenia exists to help them overcome those challenges, providing services that are specifically designed to meet their needs.

Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, the WRC — affiliated with Kettering Health Network and located near Greene Memorial Hospital — has been offering addiction and behavioral health treatment for women (and only women) since 1987. The staff follows a comprehensive treatment protocol to help women achieve sobriety and develop the skills they need to return to their families and the community.

While there is no single reason for substance abuse among women, there is a common thread, according to Michele Cox, WRC executive director.

“Most of the women we treat turned to drugs or alcohol as a way to deal with some kind of traumatic situation, anything from the loss of a parent to domestic violence,” she said. “In order to recover, they have to work through painful emotional issues, something that would be very difficult for them to do in a co-ed group.”

The WRC’s long-term, non-medical residential program provides women with 30 hours of treatment a week.

Transitional housing is available for up to two years, providing opportunities to build independent living skills, find jobs and secure permanent housing.

Women with children ages five and younger are encouraged to bring them to the WRC for the duration of their stay. In addition to keeping the family intact, this allows the staff to observe moms with their children and provide parent training.

Among the center’s many services are counseling; living skills classes; medical care; nutrition education; and vocational assessment and information.

“We take a holistic approach to each woman’s care, recognizing that there are many facets to her life,” Cox said. “She is not only someone’s daughter, but also possibly a wife or girlfriend and a mother. Our goal is to address life areas knowing that we are going to touch other lives.”

Most of the women receiving treatment at the WRC have mental health issues such as depression. Clinical staff members are licensed in mental health and chemical health dependency issues.

Other local agencies also participate in the recovery process, Cox said. For example, Ohio State University Extension offers money management classes, and the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services provides parenting workshops. Family members are encouraged to take part in the center’s family education program and attend counseling sessions.

In 2007, the center purchased an apartment complex across from its main building on Martin Street in Xenia to better accommodate women with children, women with disabilities and those who are ready for transitional housing. After renovation to the apartment complex, 20 beds were made available.

Women at the WRC range in age from 18 to their late 60s, providing a multi-generational community, Cox said. “The women are really good about helping each other and maintaining a nurturing environment,” she said.

Women come to the center from about 15 Ohio counties, and none are turned away because of an inability to pay. For more information about the WRC, call (937) 352-2900 or visit www.khnetwork.org/wrc.