Brooke Nelson, Weber State University
Interior Design
According to the National Substance Abuse Index (2006), Utah women account for 31.7 % of the entire drug abusing population. Mind-altering substance abuse among women creates many unique problems in their lives according to Wesa and Culliton (2004). Additional research by Wesa and Cullliton shows this can affect their futures, finances, families, health, and relationships. Many of the women have other underlying problems that lead them to use mind altering substances to cope with these problems as researched by James (2011). In the Ogden, Utah area, mind-altering substances have created an epidemic that needs to be helped. Serenity, A Drug Abuse Recovery Center, will be an 18,000 square foot building located in Ogden, Utah. Serenity helps facilitate mental and physical healing to create an overall wellbeing for the women. Research has said that women are more likely to receive help for mental conditions than the substance according to Greenfield (2006). Mental disorders and substance abuse will be addressed at the recovery center. Individual and group therapy methods will be used because of their effectiveness shown by Greenfield. Research by Greenfield has shown that women in treatment centers have a greater chance of retention if dependent children are present. Serenity will provide a private room for a woman and two dependent children to stay at the center. The center will include nutrition education and dining area, and a children’s area. The children’s area will have reading, playing, learning, and therapy treating areas.