
Young single mothers are superheroes! Whether it is due to social expectations or natural caregiving instincts, they bear more responsibilities than anyone should. Women are expected to be sole providers, keep the kids fed, keep the home clean, and so much more. Adding in a college education is a major feat!
Many young mothers trying to juggle multiple roles find themselves stressed and worn out. Not surprisingly one of the most common reasons women use substances is to deal with anxiety or depression. To deal with feelings of depletion, women may turn to occasional use of drugs or alcohol to relax or even let loose without feelings of guilt or shame. Unfortunately, occasional use can be a slippery slope and quickly turn into a substance use disorder (SUD). SUDs affect people from all walks of life and some women can find themselves more prone to them due to family history, genetics, peer groups, significant others, or other factors.
Some single mothers have a particularly challenging time seeking help for SUDs. Being the primary caregivers, there are many barriers that stop single mothers from reaching out for help. One of the most significant reasons is child care, or worse, fear of having their children taken away altogether. Luckily, for the women of the Chicagoland area, a blessing is the availability of two treatment centers. The Women’s Treatment Center and Haymarket Center have residential programs in which the women may bring their children up to age 5 with them while receiving treatment.
Other resources for single mothers battling SUDs include Women’s AA/NA meetings with child care provided, Women and Children’s Shelters, and the Illinois Department of Health and Family Services. Please, take care of you, so you can take care of your children.
The Women’s Treatment Center
140 North Ashland Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60607
312-850-0050
Fax 312-850-9095
Haymarket Center – Maternal Addiction Center
932 W. Washington
Chicago, IL 60607
312-226-7984
Fax 312-226-0047
Illinois Women’s Health-Line 1-888-522-1282
All Kids Hotline 1-866-255-5437
Domestic Violence Helpline 1-877-863-6338
Catholic Charities 1-312-655-7700
AA Meetings with BABYSITTING AVAILABLE
No Excuses (AA)
Closed Meeting. Friday, 6:00 pm
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
14700 S. 94th Ave
Orland Park, IL 60462
Women for Serenity (AA)
Closed Meeting.
Saturday, 9:30 am
St Paul Thai Church
7416 Dixon St.
Forest Park, IL 60130
NA Meeting (Children Welcome)
Thursday 7:00pm
First Church of God
4600 West 111th Street
Oak Lawn, IL 60453-5625