FIU Barriers Confronting Females by Substance Addiction Discussion

After reading chapters 10 & 11, please post at least 250 words in the discussion board on one of the following topics:

1. Identify the barriers to substance abuse treatment for women.
2. Explain the reasons for considering the importance of not overlooking the relearning of pleasure in the recovery process
3. Compare the similarities and differences between Gorski’s 9 step model of relapse prevention and Marlatt’s 6 step RP model.

Please reply to the following posts 70 words each reply.

Post #1 C

Barriers to treatment confront women from the outset, and it’s no surprise that most women with an SUD are never treated for it. Compared to men with OUDs, women are likely to be at a socioeconomic and educational disadvantage, to be underemployed or unemployed, and to have primary child-care responsibilities. Their OUD comes on more quickly, and they progress more rapidly to serious consequences. Yet women tend to see their substance abuse as stress-related, a temporary crutch that will go away without treatment.

Women are less likely than men to know how and where to get treatment. Typically they refer themselves, sometimes prompted by family or friends, or are referred by the criminal justice system or social service agencies. Men usually are referred by employers, doctors, or the legal system—sources generally considered more knowledgeable about treatment options. Women may consider private residential clinics too time-consuming, expensive, and tightly regulated to be an option.

Depression and anxiety may lead women to delay or do without treatment. Studies suggest that high levels of estrogen can enhance the stress response in subcortical regions of the brain, contributing to the higher prevalence of depression and anxiety in women.Many women with an SUD have a history of sexual, emotional, or physical abuse, as well as suicidal thoughts and attempts. Post-traumatic stress disorder is common, resulting from trauma or abuse. If a woman with an SUD has a history of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse perpetrated by men—and most do—the very idea of a treatment environment that includes men can be distressing. Women are more likely than their male counterparts to have a drug-using partner supporting her drug use. These women generally receive little encouragement to enter treatment, and may instead encounter resistance.

Society stigmatizes women who abuse substances—especially women who have children or are pregnant. Communities and families often fail to provide the support women need, including child care and encouragement to enter treatment.

Post # 2 G

There are some barriers to substance abuse treatment in women. Substance abuse problems affect women’s daily life routines and aspect more than men. Other factors that may lead to consumption are mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders. Rejection from society, experiences with disempowerment, economic problems, and physical and sexual violence are other factors that may lead to substance abuse problems.

One of the barriers to treatment is that society thinks that women are the foundation of the family. Also, they have the responsibility of the house and childcare. Men tend to admit more than women that they have a substance abuse problem. Denial leads to treatment barriers like finding, entering, and completing the treatment. Childcare responsibilities are another factor. Finding someone you trust to take care of your child is hard, not everyone wants to stay with a baby or a child, which makes it difficult for a woman to seek substance abuse treatment. Having a support group such as family, friends and other community members can influence the competition of the treatment. Financial support, including transportation and homelessness, are barriers that affect substance abuse treatment as well. Most women are not aware of the treatment options that are available, and they do not seek help with their problems. Social stigma is another barrier since many women feel ashamed of their problem and they do not want others to know. Substance abuse treatment in women can be affected by low self-stem and low self-efficacy. Women need to believe in themselves and they have to have a positive attitude not only to beginning and complete the treatment but to stay away from substances for the rest of their life.