Harmful alcohol use among females and the availability of addiction treatment services in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Alcohol is a significant negative factor that affects public health in the Czech Republic (CR). Nearly one in five Czech adults consume alcohol in a hazardous way. Data indicate a gradual reduction of gender differences in alcohol consumption, emphasising the need for gender-sensitive alcohol treatment services. The objective of the study is to analyse the current state of alcohol treatment services in the Czech Republic and to identify the deficiencies of the system with respect to the growing incidence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) among women. The study combines the analysis of relevant documents and available statistical data with explorative experts' interviews. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis. Five key topics were identified related to female AUD treatment: low accessibility of AUD services; missing gender sensitive services; poorly functioning AUD prevention; fragmentation and lack of coordination between services; and dual social stigmatization of women with AUD. The analysis shows that the AUD treatment system in the CR is designed as a unified system for men and women. Gender aspects are not considered.