Gender Dynamics in Substance Use and Treatment

Harris, Miriam; Laks, Jordana; Stahl, Natalie; Bagley, Sarah M.; Saia, Kelley; Wechsberg, Wendee M.

doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2021.08.007

Cited by 29 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 85 publications

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“…In addition to targeting societal and organizational structures, the study results indicate various adaptations to programmes, interventions and services in order to make them more responsive to the needs of women ( 72 ). Women need to be empowered to be active agents in their own lives.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Treatment providers' perspectives on a gender-responsive approach in alcohol and drug treatment for women in Belgium

2022

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BackgroundGender inequity is a pervasive challenge to health equity on a global scale, and research shows the impact of sex and gender on substance use regarding for example epidemiology, treatment needs, treatment admission and treatment outcomes. The gender-transformative approach to action and health indicates that health interventions may maintain, exacerbate or reduce gender-related health inequalities, depending on the degree and quality of gender-responsiveness within the programme or policy. However, research shows a lack of gender-responsive initiatives in the alcohol and drug addiction field.AimsThe purpose of this study is to explore in depth how alcohol and drug treatment can be made more sensitive to female users' treatment needs from the perspective of service providers. Consequently, study findings can inform the development of gender-responsive treatment options and aid to a deeper understanding of how these trends are designated on the continuum of approaches to action and health in the alcohol and drug field.MethodsFour focus groups were organized across different regions in Belgium with a total of 43 participants, including service providers, policy makers and women who use(d) drugs.ResultsThe perspective of the participants on substance use prevention and treatment for female users incorporates some crucial gender-specific and gender-transformative features. Next to implementing mother-child options, a holistic approach, experts by experience and empowering women in treatment, professionals report the relevance of awareness raising campaigns targeting all levels and sectors in society. Also, recurring attention was given to the role of men in the narratives of female users.ConclusionStudy findings show that the field of alcohol and drug prevention and treatment is being looked at through the lens of gender-responsiveness. However, to achieve improvement in the lives of both women and men, and hence creating more equal chances and opportunities in substance abuse treatment, the gender-transformative approach in addiction care needs to be further explored, criticized and established in practice and future research.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Treatment providers' perspectives on a gender-responsive approach in alcohol and drug treatment for women in Belgium

2022

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“…Unfortunately, it seems that current interventions do not reach the most vulnerable families with SUD, e.g. those with small children, or parents suffer from mental ill health or come from minority groups [ 2 – 5 ]. This article focuses on the outreach and engagement of women in interdisciplinary substance use treatment, as early interventions for women with perinatal substance problems are underresearched contexts [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Research on co-occurring and complex disorders recommends approaches to create involvement in treatment using specific clinical attitudes and welcoming ways to meet with clients [ 8 ]. Within the systems of care for pregnant women, enhanced support, endorsing positive aspects of treatment, a focus on gender-relevant topics, and the use of motivational enhancement have been associated with improved attendance among pregnant women with SUDs [ 5 , 6 , 9 , 10 ]. Pregnancy and motherhood are motivating forces to increase interest in help-seeking and making changes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Pregnancy and motherhood are motivating forces to increase interest in help-seeking and making changes. They can, however, also function as barriers against disclosing mental health and substance use problems as mothers may be afraid of children being taken into custody [ 2 , 5 ]. Therefore, women with multiple vulnerabilities will need extra support in accessing treatment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Services have had good experiences with relational-based approaches, particularly when the women enroll during pregnancy or immediately after childbirth [ 2 ]. Strengthening the personal skills, resources and self-efficacy of the mothers can help to improve the health of both the mother and the newborn [ 10 ], while punitive policies and practices discourage access to SUD treatment during pregnancy [ 2 , 5 , 10 , 11 ]. Stigma in society towards substance-using people is pervasive, as policies and practices blaming people for their problems exist, undermining both scientific evidence and the personal resources and motivation of pregnant women [ 10 , 11 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Qualitative description of outreach and engagement in perinatal substance treatment in Finland

Sorsa

Hohenthal²,

Pikulinsky³

et al. 2023

Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy

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Background Women with perinatal substance problems experience a multitude of barriers to care. They have specific early intervention needs, they endure societal stigma, and both substances and mental health issues influence the way they navigate within support and treatment systems. Early interventions for women with perinatal substance problems are underresearched contexts. The aim of the study is to describe building relationships and engagement within an outreach and low threshold service encounter tailored for pregnant women with SUD (substance use disorder). Methods The data consist of online written narratives from 11 workers involved in the program and feedback from 504 families in the recovery process comprising 228 open-ended answers. The data were analyzed with a thematic analysis. Results The programs are characterized by flexibility and the implementation of inclusive ways to approach families. The themes for enhancing relationships and engagement within outreach and low threshold programs are Acceptance and attitude: a sensitive approach of approval; flexibility within strictness to allow for diversity and individuality; availability and space to ensure a trustful atmosphere; negotiating via doing to build connections; and everyday life changes: imagining recovery. The themes represent the need of being available, focusing on the worker’s attitudes and building connections by doing together, and visioning recovery together. Conclusions The study results can add to the understanding of SUD outreach and low threshold work during pregnancy. The elements described in this study need further theoretical development, research and critical assessment. Building relationships during pregnancy were characterized by connecting within everyday life situations and supporting the development of an attachment relationship between the baby and the parents. To promote recovery, a comprehensive approach in which substance-related issues and mental health conditions are interconnected can be favored. Engaging early on during pregnancy might enhance success during future rehabilitation.

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