Watch the full interview with New Directions for Women alumna Joy to hear her personal experience in a women-only rehab program.
For many women struggling with alcohol addiction, asking for help feels impossible. You might be juggling work, family, and responsibilities while quietly relying on alcohol to cope—like Joy was before treatment. And for the loved ones watching from the sidelines, it can feel terrifying to witness someone you care about slipping into crisis, unsure how to help. Joy’s story offers an honest look at what the first days of women’s rehab can feel like, showing how support, structure, and a women-only environment can help women begin to reclaim their lives.
Arriving at a Women’s Rehab Center for the First Time
Joy remembers feeling uncertain the moment she walked into New Directions for Women. She had no idea what to expect, and part of her wondered whether she would feel out of place.
“I was really surprised on how it looked. Talk about a welcoming space—open, beautiful. I don’t remember too much about the first day. I was so stuck inside my own head. But by the second day, so many of the women that were in there with me were so helpful—encouraging, outgoing. The staff was fantastic.”
Even small challenges, like sleeping in a shared space, quickly became opportunities for growth.
“I thought I’d have a hard time with sleeping, with adjusting to things, and they put me with a pregnant girl who was scared of the dark. And I’m the kind of person that likes pure black and silent. I learned very quickly that I can sleep in any kind of situation. And it was just lovely how everybody got along.”
Joy quickly realized that differences in age or background didn’t matter. Women from all over the country were in treatment together, and that shared experience became a source of connection.
“Here I was probably one of the oldest ones there at the time, and it didn’t matter. I still got along great with a 21-year-old. We all came from different situations, but we were all in the same place.”
Adjusting to Daily Life in Women’s Addiction Treatment
Routine played a key role in Joy’s early recovery. Daily schedules gave her a sense of purpose, something that women often struggle to prioritize when life feels chaotic.
“Having a routine was fantastic for me. I thrive on routine. I knew I had this at three o’clock and could get the dishes done before the evening program.”
Being disconnected from her phone, initially a source of anxiety, became a surprising relief.
“I really loved being disconnected from my phone. That’s my office. That’s my business. I loved just… I don’t have it. So, in fact, I’m still having a hard time finding my phone when I lay it down. I have no idea where it is. But that’s actually good. It helped me focus.”
Finding Support in the First Few Days of Women’s Rehab
One of the most transformative aspects of Joy’s treatment was the community she found among other women and the staff.
“It really felt like more than just being a patient. There was personalization, even though it’s not completely personalized—it felt that way from the staff. The other patients… we came from all different backgrounds, all different areas, all different parts of the U.S. And it didn’t matter. Everybody was so helpful.”
That sense of belonging gave Joy confidence to focus on recovery without fear or shame.
“There’s something magical about that property. Even without being in treatment, I would have loved just living there. And having tasks and things to do… it was very good for me.”
Advice for Women Wondering What Rehab Is Like
Joy knows the first step can be the hardest. She wants other women and their families to know that help is possible—and that the environment at New Directions is designed to provide both care and space for healing.
“Just go. Join. Pack a bag. If you don’t have a bag to pack, don’t worry about it. There are some donations there. New Directions gives people the time and the space to heal… such a caring place.”
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or substance use, you don’t have to face it alone. New Directions for Women provides a supportive, women-only rehab environment that helps women begin recovery in a safe, structured, and compassionate space.
Take the first step today. Contact our experts to learn more about our Orange County women’s rehab center and how we help women reclaim their lives.
