A new Greenock-centred study has concluded that women who undergo residential treatment in a female-only setting report stronger feelings of safety and are more likely to sustain recovery from drugs and alcohol.
Study focused on Jericho House in Greenock
The research examined Abbeycare’s Jericho House, a women-only residential rehabilitation facility based in Greenock, and was commissioned by the Scottish Recovery Consortium. Authored by Dr Briege Nugent, an independent research consultant, the study draws on interviews with current residents and staff members who had themselves previously attended the service.
Participants told researchers that being in a women-only environment reduced feelings of shame and stigma, encouraged greater openness and vulnerability, and allowed for deeper engagement with therapeutic work. They described the setting as one in which they felt safer to disclose experience and trauma, which many identified as central drivers of their substance use.
Trauma, abuse and different recovery needs
The study emphasises that drivers of substance use among many women include domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of trauma. It concludes that a women-only residential environment can create conditions that support reflection, connection and sustained recovery for those affected by those experiences.
“Women-only residential rehabilitation offers significant benefits, particularly for those affected by trauma and abuse. It creates a safe and supportive environment that facilitates openness, connection, and sustained recovery.”
Those interviewed highlighted a number of features of Jericho House that they found particularly effective, including structured daily routines, group work, therapy and family involvement. The presence of unlimited aftercare and the ability to remain connected to the service as long as required were described as contributing to a sense of belonging and community.
- Safety and disclosure: Women reported feeling safer and more able to be honest about their experiences in a single-sex environment.
- Programme structure: Residents valued the holistic combination of therapy, routine and family work.
- Ongoing support: The availability of extended aftercare and continued contact with the service was said to aid sustained recovery.
Choice and service provision
While the research highlights clear benefits of women-only residential rehabilitation, the authors and participants stress that it should form part of a broader range of treatment options. The study explicitly recommends that women should retain choice over the type of setting they enter, allowing services to be matched to individual needs.
That recommendation will be particularly relevant for commissioners and service planners in Inverclyde and surrounding areas, who must balance specialised provision against available resources. The study does not set out costings or quantify outcomes across the sector, but it underlines qualitative gains in engagement and perceived safety that local providers may wish to factor into commissioning decisions.
| Feature of Jericho House | Reported benefit |
|---|---|
| Women-only residential setting | Increased safety, openness and reduced shame |
| Structured, holistic programme | Greater engagement and purposeful role in recovery |
| Unlimited aftercare and long-term connection | Sense of community and sustained recovery support |
Local advocates and those working in recovery services have for some time argued that trauma-informed approaches and gender-sensitive provision are essential to improving outcomes for women. This study provides evidence from users and former users of one Greenock facility to support that position.
For residents of Greenock, the findings confirm the local value of Abbeycare’s Jericho House as a service that some women find particularly effective. The authors’ call for a plurality of options, however, means the debate will continue about how best to ensure access to women-only provision while maintaining a diverse mix of treatment settings for the wider population.
The study will now add to discussions among commissioners, third-sector providers and community stakeholders about the future shape of residential rehabilitation in the area, and how services reflect the particular needs of women affected by trauma and abuse.
