This research explores women's experiences in recovery from addiction in a suburban area of Mississauga, Ontario (ON). In the suburbs drugs are not as localized as they might be in a city. The goal set out in this research was to better understand recovery from the women’s perspectives as well as identify barriers, challenges, and benefits they faced in recovery and treatment programs. The research offers suggestions on how this information could be considered when creating or adapting current recovery and treatment programs. The research may also help us understand and improve women’s entry, retention, and completion of treatment programs. Six participants participated in semi-structured interviews, four in person and two over the video platform Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was conducted and four themes emerged: opinions on treatment programs, cravings and withdrawals, support, and recommendations to improve treatment programs.
