Enhancing care for mothers in alcohol and other drug treatment
March 2025
When it comes to alcohol and other drug use in Australia, men have historically outnumbered women. But in recent years, that gap has been closing. In 2022–23, use of alcohol, e-cigarettes, and illicit drugs increased among young women, a trend that calls for a targeted response.
While the use of alcohol during pregnancy has been in decline, the rate is still high. Over one in four (28%) women aged between 14 and 49 consume alcohol while pregnant.
Despite this, women remain underrepresented in treatment, making up just over one third of those seeking support for their own alcohol and other drug use.
We know that women, particularly pregnant women and mothers, face unique challenges when it comes to accessing support for alcohol and other drug use.
Pregnant and parenting women who use alcohol and other drugs often experience high levels of depression and anxiety, which can impact their ability to engage in treatment and affect outcomes for both mother and child.
Best practice evidence indicates that pregnant women require treatment services that not only address alcohol and other drug use but also provide integrated support through pregnancy and postnatal care.
For mothers, gender responsive treatment models, assertive engagement through home visits, and practical assistance such as transport and childcare are critical in improving access and retention in treatment.
At the Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol Centre, the Women’s Wellness and Recovery Program is providing targeted support for pregnant women and mothers navigating alcohol and other drug use.
The program uses a flexible and person centred approach to support women to strengthen family, community, and social connections, leading to better health outcomes for them and their children.
To ensure the program remains evidence based and aligned with best practice, we partnered with the program team to develop a robust model of care that will serve as a critical guidance document for the program.
We took a collaborative design approach to developing the model of care, which will:
- Guide service delivery, enabling consistent, high quality care
- Inform service improvement, shaping the program’s future growth
- Enhance collaboration and service partnerships
As alcohol and other drug use patterns shift among women, treatment services must evolve to meet their needs.
By ensuring the Women’s Wellness and Recovery Program remains holistic, person centred, and responsive to changing needs, this work supports the program to deliver targeted, effective support that addresses both alcohol and other drug use and broader challenges in accessing care among women who are pregnant or parenting.
We had a fantastic time working with the folks at Calvary and we’re excited about the impact this new model of care will have on the Women’s Wellness and Recovery Program and the women participating in the program.
How we can help
Service and workforce improvement can be challenging. The real world is messy, and working on the frontline you need clear practical solutions that work.
We provide practical tailored solutions for any service who works with people who use drugs. We support better responses to alcohol and other drug issues in mental health, primary care, welfare, justice and education sectors, as well as the specialist alcohol and other drug sector. Learn more about how 360Edge can help your service.
Are you interested building your skills in responding to alcohol and other drugs? Check out our diverse range of clinical practice workshops.
