Increasing Female Access to Addiction Treatment in La Rioja, Spain

Recent data indicates a growing, yet still disproportionately small, number of women seeking and receiving addiction treatment in La Rioja, Spain. While the percentage of women accessing these services has increased, significant barriers remain, hindering many from seeking the facilitate they need. This article examines the current landscape of addiction treatment for women in La Rioja, the challenges they face, and the initiatives underway to improve access and support.

Rising, But Still Limited, Female Representation in Treatment

In 2024, women comprised 21% of individuals undergoing treatment at Proyecto Hombre La Rioja, a significant increase from the 16% recorded in 2019 [1]. Despite this positive trend, a substantial gap persists between the number of men and women receiving care. This disparity isn’t necessarily indicative of lower addiction rates among women, but rather highlights the systemic obstacles they encounter when seeking help.

Barriers to Accessing Addiction Treatment

Several factors contribute to the underrepresentation of women in addiction treatment programs. These include:

• Social Stigma: Women often face greater societal judgment and shame associated with addiction, discouraging them from seeking help.
• Caregiving Responsibilities: Women are frequently primary caregivers for children or elderly relatives, making it difficult to prioritize their own health and well-being.
• Financial Concerns: Economic pressures and the need to maintain financial stability can prevent women from accessing treatment.
• Fear of Losing Custody: Mothers may fear losing custody of their children if they admit to substance use.
• Exposure to Violence: Women with addiction issues are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence or abuse, further complicating their path to recovery.

Proyecto Hombre La Rioja’s Initiatives for Women

Proyecto Hombre La Rioja is actively working to address these barriers and improve access to gender-specific care. Key initiatives include:

• The Helena Program: Developed in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Policies of the Government of La Rioja, the Helena Program offers both outpatient and residential treatment options specifically designed for women with addiction problems [2]. This program provides specialized support for women with family responsibilities and those who are pregnant.
• Support for Partners: The Helena Program also extends support to women whose partners are struggling with addiction.
• Therapeutic Groups: Proyecto Hombre La Rioja facilitates dedicated therapeutic groups for women, creating a safe and supportive environment for sharing experiences and building resilience.

Addressing Stigma and Promoting Empowerment

Proyecto Hombre La Rioja recognizes the double stigma faced by women with addiction – the stigma associated with substance use and the stigma related to gender roles. The organization actively challenges societal prejudices and stereotypes through its national campaign, ‘Making Visibility is Also Accompanying,’ launched in conjunction with International Women’s Day [1].

These therapeutic groups empower women to:

• Recognize and reclaim their voices.
• Challenge harmful stereotypes.
• Heal from past trauma, including physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.
• Strengthen their self-reliance and decision-making skills.

Looking Ahead

Proyecto Hombre La Rioja’s commitment to incorporating a gender perspective into all aspects of its programs demonstrates a strategic approach to equitable care. By continuing to address the unique challenges faced by women with addiction, the organization aims to dismantle barriers, promote empowerment, and ensure that all individuals have access to the support they need to regain control of their lives. As of March 6, 2026, 21% of people in treatment at Proyecto Hombre La Rioja are women [3].