What you'll master:
How women's substance use patterns, risk factors, and treatment responses differ from men's
Gender-specific assessment and screening approaches
Tailored intervention strategies that address women's unique biological, psychological, and social needs
Comprehensive care planning that accounts for trauma, reproductive health, caregiving responsibilities, and social context
Evidence-based practices proven effective with women in SUD treatment
Why this matters:
Standard SUD treatment protocols were largely developed based on male populations. Women experience addiction differently—from initiation patterns to physiological impacts to barriers to treatment. Practitioners who understand these distinctions deliver more effective care and achieve better long-term outcomes.
This is the first course in the WISE (Women Interventions for Substance Exposure) series developed by the Colombo Plan's Drug Advisory Programme, providing specialized training in one of the most critical—and often overlooked—areas of SUD treatment.
Best for:
Counselors, therapists, and treatment providers working with women or seeking to develop gender-responsive treatment programming.