Tuesday, August 14, 2012

How Gender Influences Treatment For Drug Addiction

Gender differences play a vital role in determining the proper treatment intervention for drug abuse. Many studies proposed that women have unique and different needs when compared to men in the kind of treatment approach. These different needs must be considered in any treatment intervention for women who are suffering from drug addiction because it can highly improve chances of recovery. Based on research, the common factors related to women' drug addiction are physical and mental disorders, history of abuse and victimization, crime involvement, and socioeconomic problems.

Mental and Physical Disorders

A study conducted in a treatment center revealed high cases of physical and mental problems among women who sought drug addiction treatment. There are about 67% of mothers enrolled who reported of health diseases like respiratory problems, sexually transmitted diseases and other gynecological diseases. Among those studied, 58% reported of mental problems like depression, bipolar disorders, and psychological trauma. It has also been discovered that 30% of these mothers have attempted suicide. Other studies conducted obtained results that there were more women diagnosed with mental health conditions compared to men among drug abuse rehab patients in drug treatment programs.

History of Victimization and Abuse

Many women in drug treatment centers show consistent findings of childhood abuse or have been consistent sufferers of abusive behaviour. Thirty five to forty-five percent of cases have reported of childhood sexual abuse among these women patients. Using drugs as means to cope from these abusive behavior led many women to be addicted to drugs.

Crime Involvement

A great number of women in treatment centers have a history of both light and serious crimes. They have been arrested and incarcerated for crimes like theft and illegal possession of drugs including driving under the influence of alcohol. Some of these women are given probations or on parole from involvement of crime.

Socioeconomic Issues

Data gathered during evaluation among women in treatment facilities show the relationship of social and economic problems and addiction. Socioeconomic problems have been considered as great contributors to substance addiction. Women are generally considered more emotional when compared to men. Issues like homelessness, unemployment, public welfare assistance, and poverty are compelling situations that drive many women to drug abuse as a coping mechanism. Eighty-nine to ninety-two percent of women assessed in treatment facilities have unemployment issues. The cases of women in drug rehab who fall below the poverty line are 88% according to another study. It's now clear why gender differences play an important role in choosing the proper treatment method for drug addiction. The most effective form of treatment is one that is personalized and suited to every patient and every case.


----------------------------------------------------
Penned by Ericka Lopez. To learn more tips on http://www.treatmentcentersdirectory.com/California/Oakland/west-oakland-health-center-2579, visit http://www.cswf.org/Maryland/Baltimore/


EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=284799

No comments:

Post a Comment