etiology of addiction in men and women
etiology of addiction in men and women
Differences between the etiology of addiction in men and women
One of the differences in the etiology of addiction in men and women is the elevated stand of prescription drugs. The prescription of these meant to treat a number of female issues. There is encouragement for women to medicate symptoms of ache, tiredness and moodiness, often with opiate-based medicine. Studies reveal that twice as many women as men consume antidepressants. Doctors make prescriptions twice as many psychotropic medications for women as for men. Since there are numerous numbers of women who consume prescription medications for dealing with physical and mental issues, it usually results to accidental addiction.
Estimates reveal that a great percentage of women receiving treatment for substance abuse have a past of emotional, physical or sexual abuse. Sexual abuse, however, tops the list. By far, more women than men undergo such abuse. The psychological effects of abuse often lead many women result to drugs and alcohol so as to cope with the effects. US Department of Health and Human Services. (2000).
Specific needs of women in treatment
Substance abuse treatment for women has to have an approach from the viewpoint that includes the framework of the women’s lives. Some of the specific needs include addressing the relationship with family, extended family, social economic environment and support systems. Treatment needs and parenting issues include pregnancy and children. Women in treatment also have issues to do with co-occurring disorders eating, anxiety and mood disorders. These are more common in women and are likely to need attention in the course of treatment. Bloom (1998).
Use of single gender groups for treatment of addiction
There is a preference of single gender groups over co-ed groups for treatment of addiction. In single gender groups, women are able to discuss issues that they are not able to talk about in co-ed groups. Women also exhibit a wider range of behaviors and ability in single gender groups, and this does not take place in co-ed groups. Women in programs that are co-ed report a gender imbalance, since there are typically one or two women in a group with ten to twelve men. In such environments, women often withdraw from the discussion and fail to tackle issues of personal significance. Single gender groups do not provide any significant disadvantages as women experience the warmth and closeness and have a sense of freedom to speak openly. Bride. (2001).
Co-occurring psychiatric, social, familial and economic issues faced by women in addictions treatment
Women in addictions treatment often have to deal with co-occurring issues. With regard to psychiatric issues, such women may be going through depression and anxiety. They may also undergo post traumatic stress during treatment. Women may also undergo social difficulties, where the society perceives them to be responsible and, therefore, ought not to indulge in substance abuse. Economic issues also occur, where some women may have limited financial resources, which act as, a burden to them. Family problems may also arise where children do not have their mothers as they are in rehabilitation centers. Brown, J. (2000).
Ideal treatment setting for women with substance abuse issues
Women encounter various challenges in treatment and should, therefore, seek treatment in an appropriate rehab center. Such a center should provide a treatment setting which specializes in women addiction and co-occurring disorders. An effective rehab facility should provide a comprehensive treatment that is broad. Such should include alcohol and drug use, mental health, behavioral addictions, physical health and fitness, family functioning, social relationships, sexual abuse and diet and nutrition. Finkelstein, N. (1994).
Reference:
Bloom, Covington, S. (1998) “Gender-specific programming for female substance abusers: what is it and why is it important?” Washington, DC.
Bride, B.E. (2001) Single-gender treatment of substance abuse: Effect on treatment retention and completion, Social Work Research. New York.
Brown, P. J. (2000) Outcome in female patients with both substance use and post-traumatic stress disorders. Alcohol Treatment Quarterly. London.
Finkelstein, N. (1994) Treatment issues for alcohol and drug-dependent pregnant and parenting women, Health and Social Work. New York.
US Department of Health and Human Services. (2000) Gender Differences in Drug Abuse Risks and Treatment. Rockville.
Is this your assignment or some part of it?
We can do it for you! Click to Order!
