AADAC's Enhanced Services for Women Initiative

We know that if a woman uses alcohol or other drugs while pregnant it can harm her developing fetus. We also know that women who are addicted to alcohol or other drugs may have a very hard time not using, even if they are pregnant.

Pregnant women who need help for a substance use problem often face many barriers that can prevent them from accessing or completing treatment. In Alberta, AADAC Enhanced Services for Women is an initiative designed to better reach women who need help for a substance use problem, and to provide additional support to them while they are in treatment to better ensure success.

Why the need for enhanced services?

Research has clearly identified that the needs and issues of women who need help for a substance use problem are different from those of men. Many women, and particularly pregnant women, may be reluctant to get help because of:

• intense feelings of shame
• fear of losing their children
• fear of prejudicial treatment
• feelings of depression and low self-esteem

In addition:

• Women often have other challenges and responsibilities that make it difficult for them to get to treatment services or to successfully complete treatment.
• They may not have information about available treatment.
• Service systems can be confusing, overwhelming, or seemingly unaware of their needs as women.
• By working with women to overcome these barriers we can improve their access to services and better support them in completing treatment. This is also a key strategy for reducing the number of babies born affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

What is AADAC's Enhanced Services for Women (ESW) initiative?

Three sites have been established in Alberta to deliver this service - Edmonton, Calgary and Grande Prairie.

The primary goal of this initiative is to provide an enhanced level of addiction services to women with substance use problems who are pregnant, or who may become pregnant.

ESW service coordinators are working with agencies in their communities to better reach women who need help for a substance use problem. The service coordinators see clients directly at these agencies to provide initial assessment and counselling. They support clients to enter into AADAC's existing network of treatment services and will provide follow-up support as required. Service coordinators also work as consultants with other service providers to help other professionals better meet the needs of their clients who have substance use problems.

For more information on AADAC Enhanced Services for Women:

Edmonton: AADAC Adult Counselling and Prevention Services
10010-102A Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3G2
Phone : 780-415-0786 or 780-415-0776

Calgary: AADAC Adult Counselling and Prevention Services
2nd Floor, 1177-11th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2R 1K9
Phone: 403-297-3033 or 403-297-3066

Grande Prairie: AADAC Northern Addictions Centre
11333-106 Street
Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 6T7
Phone: 780-538-6356

Program Coordinator
5th Floor, 10909 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3M9
Phone: 780-644-7146

For more information, contact your local AADAC office, or call 1-866-33AADAC.