•    Research indicates that chemically dependent women have less access to drug and alcohol services than men.
•    Some women are “at risk” or just very emotionally vulnerable and disadvantaged within a mixed-gender residential centre where the style of therapy and atmosphere is oriented towards single male drug users.
•    Some women require a specialised treatment programme with experienced staff and counsellors who can handle therapeutically and sensitively their past experiences of sexual and/or physical abuse.
•    Some women require a residential environment which is sensitive to the pattern of secrecy, guilt and stigma which is often an essential feature of female drug and alcohol dependency.
•    Many women are not willing (or are unable) to discuss their dependence and other personal problems in the company of male residents or clients
•    Some women have partners who do not like them entering a residential setting with other men.