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The following poem was written by Rachael O’Donnell, LCSW, LADC, an outpatient counselor at Crossroads for Women. Rachael provides mental health and substance abuse counseling on an individual and group basis at Crossroads for Women’s outpatient office in Kennebunk and can also be found leading IOP groups in Portland (Maine). What I Have Learned About…
On September 16th, 38 Crossroads for Women clients, alumnae and staff set sail on a 74-foot Maine built windjammer named Frances. This is the 5th year that Maine Sailing Adventures generously hosted the sunset sail on the beautiful waters of Casco Bay. Each year, the halfway house plans the trip and invites other clients from…
Last week, startling statistics were released about women and driving under the influence (DUI). According to the report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 28.8% more women were arrested for DUI in 2007 than a decade earlier. In contrast, men’s DUI arrest rates went down 7.5% during the same period. Read more about…
Polly Haight Frawley, Crossroads for Women’s chief of operations, wrote an article for the Portland Press Herald’s Maine Voices editorial section in response to a quote in a past article about the Diane Schuler tragedy. As the title suggests, it addresses the differences between men and women when it comes to addiction. It was published…
Past studies have continually shown the women react to alcohol differently than men. They tend to metabolize alcohol more quickly and are subject to greater health effects as a result of regular drinking. A study out of Idaho State University is taking a look at gender-specific differences in the way the brain reacts to alcohol.…
A recent study coming out of Canada showed that 1 in 25 deaths worldwide are attributed to alcohol. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) researchers concluded that a rise since 2000 was due to more women in the world drinking alcohol. Most of the deaths caused by alcohol were through injuries, cancer, cardiovascular…
Crossroads Maine often talks about using a relational model when treating clients for mental health and substance abuse issues. This model is different from a traditional substance abuse model that is more confrontational (think intervention) and largely designed for and by men. Being women-focused for almost 35 years, we’ve found (and other studies back this…
To the strongest, most able women ever: When I first came to (Back Cove) Crossroads halfway house for women, I was transferred from the 28 day program in Windham. I arrived here after a long term of jail time for a probation violation and new criminal felony drug charges. Drugs had completely taken over my…
This past winter, Crossroads for Women enjoyed a donation of beautifully crocheted blankets, hats and purses from an unusual donor – the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. Turns out, the Cumberland County jail in Portland, Maine has a crocheting program. Incarcerated women learn the art of crocheting and donate the items they create to a nonprofit…
There have been some interesting studies recently published regarding women and drinking. It’s always interesting to find studies with female participants since so few in the past have looked at gender differences in relation to substance abuse. Here are some highlights and links: CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) reported that more than 20% of sexual…