Addictions Services
The Womankind Addiction Service is one of three women-only withdrawal management services in Ontario. Women clients present requesting a safe, non-judgmental place for withdrawal from a variety of substances, including alcohol and drugs. We also provide support and a preventative bed when needed, for women who are at high risk of relapsing because of a crisis they are experiencing. Women of all ages attend, most between the ages of 34 to 54 years of age or older.Women call before coming in and an assessment is completed over the telephone. As we are a non-medical service, some women are asked to see their family doctor or go the hospital to be medically cleared before coming to the program. After intake, the woman is admitted to the observation area where they are monitored every 15-minute until they are stable. Women then move to another bed if available, on the second floor. Those who are well enough participate in daily morning groups, which focus on early recovery education, relapse prevention, recovery planning and support. The program hosts an in-house AA, CA and NA meeting once each week and volunteer drivers take the women to up to three outside meetings each week. The outreach worker facilitates a weekly support group and sees clients individually on-site and in the community. This program uses a harm reduction approach where needed to assist us in reaching women who are unable or unwilling to attend the withdrawal management service. It also provides support and counselling for women waiting for treatment and after treatment.
During their stay, a relapse prevention plan is developed to assist women to set goals and plans to maintain their recovery. Women who would like to seek treatment are assessed individually using the Provincial tools and appropriate treatment and discharge plans are made with each client.
Womankind Addiction Services is located at 431 Whitney Avenue in Hamilton, ON.