Treating Drug Abuse

Research indicates that more than 4 million women need treatment for drug abuse. Unfortunately, there are some significant reasons, why many women do not seek help. Research shows that women receive the most benefit from drug treatment programs that provide comprehensive services for meeting their basic needs, including access to:

• Food, clothing, and shelter

• Transportation

• Job counseling and training

• Legal assistance

• Literacy training and educational opportunities

• Parenting training

• Family therapy

• Medical care

• Child care

• Social services

• Social support

• Psychological assessment and mental health care

• Assertiveness training

• Family planning services.

Traditional male-oriented drug treatment programs may not be appropriate for women because those programs may not provide these services. Research also indicates that for women in particular, treatment is more successful when they stay in regular touch with their treatment provider. When a woman lapses during the treatment and recovery process; it is important that they get the support of the community and encouragement of those closest to them. After completing a drug treatment program, women also need services to assist them in sustaining their recovery and in rejoining the community.

Treatment should include an evaluation of other serious health problems- associated with drug abuse. For women, some of these problems are:

• Poor nutrition and below-average weight

• Low self-esteem

• Depression

• Physical abuse

• If pregnant, pre-term labor or early delivery

• Serious medical and infectious diseases (e.g., increased blood pressure and heart rate, STDs, HIV/AIDS).