Betty Ford, the alcoholic first lady who opened rehabilitation clinics for women
Betty Ford died in 2011, but her legacy continues to help hundreds of women around the world who, just like Ford herself, suffer from at least one addiction. Former U.S. President Barack Obama praised her as a powerful advocate for women’s health and women’s rights. Ford’s journey began as the first lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977, during which her addiction to drugs and alcohol worsened.
After seeking treatment herself, Ford founded the Betty Ford Center in 1982, one of the first addiction treatment centers designed specifically for women. Today, it sets global standards for addiction therapy. The center’s approach, based on the Minnesota model, focuses on therapy guided by the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. The treatment is tailored to address the unique challenges faced by women in their journey to recovery.
Inspired by Ford’s achievements, various rehabilitation centers worldwide have adopted the gender-based perspective pioneered by the Betty Ford Center. One such facility is the Oceánica clinic in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico. Founded in 1991 by Jesús Cevallos Coppel, who himself battled addiction, the clinic established a decade-long alliance with the Betty Ford Center, using their techniques to ensure effective treatment.
The need for gender-specific addiction treatment has been recognized in Spain as well. The Guadalsalus Group operates two facilities, one for men and one for women, including the LGBTQIA+ community. These centers provide safe spaces for women who have experienced gender-based violence or other traumatic events that contribute to their addictions. The Temehi Foundation, also in Spain, focuses on rehabilitating women who have suffered from gender-based violence while simultaneously addressing their addiction issues.
Betty Ford’s legacy extends far beyond her own personal struggles. Her willingness to openly discuss her addiction and create a treatment center solely for women has positively impacted countless lives. By recognizing the gender-specific aspects of addiction and establishing safe spaces for recovery, her work continues to provide hope and healing for women around the world.
