Recovery from drug use and desistance from crime are crucial processes for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives. Despite extensive research in these areas, there is a significant gap in understanding how women experience both recovery and desistance. Women often face unique challenges that differ from those of men, underscoring the need for gender-specific research. This study focuses on the female experience by exploring the pathways of women in recovery and desistance who have experienced problems with alcohol and/or illegal drug use, and have committed multiple offenses. By examining their life experiences, it aims to understand these two pathways, as well as the relationship between them. Using a qualitative research design, this project studies the evolution of recovery and desistance in women. Through three waves of life story interviews, the barriers these women encounter throughout their trajectories are uncovered, and potential solutions for these hindrances are discussed. This research will contribute to the understanding of the complex interplay between recovery from drug use and desistance from crime among women. By addressing gender-specific experiences and needs, the study aims to inform policy, practice, and future research to better support women in their recovery and desistance journeys.