Gateway Foundation Teams Up With Dr. Stephanie Covington to Offer Specialized Training Addressing Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Women

Expert in Substance Abuse Treatment to Lead Two-Day Workshop Focusing on Helping Women Recover

CHICAGO, April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Gateway Foundation Alcohol & Drug Treatment, the leading provider of substance abuse treatment in Illinois, will host a two-day workshop in Chicago lead by clinician and women treatment specialist Dr. Stephanie S. Covington, Ph.D., L.C.S.W. Based on Dr. Covington's curriculum Helping Women Recover: A Program for Treating Addiction, the workshop will take place April 19-20 (Thursday and Friday) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Adler School of Professional Psychology, located at 17 N. Dearborn Street in Chicago.

"There is growing evidence documenting the impact of child neglect and abuse as well as other forms of trauma on women's physical health, mental health and behavior," says Dr. Covington. "Women often use alcohol or drugs to help them deal with hurt and pain in their relationships and as they also try to provide for others, especially mothers, a safe and loving relational context," explains Dr. Covington.

During the two-day workshop, Dr. Covington will take a closer look at the comprehensive substance abuse treatment model for women, while integrating theories of addiction, psychological development and trauma. Attendees will learn about the history of women's substance abuse treatment, current theoretical perspectives, treatment environment and alcohol and drug treatment strategies. Attendees will earn 12 CEU credits for LCSW, LSW, LCPC, LPC, NADAAC, and IAODAPCA (CADC).

The training costs $250 per person; space is limited and available on a first-come first-serve basis. To make a reservation, please contact Gateway Clinical Director, Dr. Phil Welches at 312-913-2319 or [email protected].

About the Trainer

For more than 25 years, Dr. Covington's work has focused on the creation of gender-responsive and trauma-informed services. Her extensive experience includes designing women's services at the Betty Ford Center, developing programs for women in criminal justice settings and being the featured therapist on the Oprah Winfrey Network TV show entitled "Breaking Down the Bars." She has also served as a consultant to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna and was selected for the federal Advisory Council on Women's Services.

Educated at Columbia University and the Union Institute, Dr. Covington has served on the faculties of the University of Southern California, San Diego State University and the California School of Professional Psychology. She has been published extensively, including six gender-responsive, trauma-informed treatment curricula. Dr. Covington is based in La Jolla, Calif., where she is co-director of both the Institute for Relational Development and the Center for Gender and Justice.

About Gateway Foundation Alcohol & Drug Treatment

Gateway Foundation Alcohol & Drug Treatment is a non-profit organization dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of the people it treats. As Illinois' largest provider of substance abuse treatment, Gateway provides services for adolescents and adults at treatment centers throughout the state. Gateway Foundation helps thousands of individuals successfully complete treatment each year and find the hope they need to live again.  For more information, please visit RecoverGateway.org.

SOURCE Gateway Foundation Alcohol & Drug Treatment