An evaluation of gender differences in substance abuse treatment programmes with a particular focus on women

Abstract

Gender-role socialization and gender- specific life events guide genders to prescribed gender-appropriate behaviours and this is manifested by society's perceptions about women. Society puts a lot of pressure on women and stigmatises women who do not conform to women-specific stereotypes. The aims of this study are to pinpoint gender differences in substance abuse treatment programmes. More specifically this study also seeks to create awareness that males and females face manifold barriers in addiction treatment programmes, but many women encounter barriers different from those of males. Twenty three semi-structured interviews were conducted for this study with substance abusers in treatment; ten males and ten females and three social workers. Some females' concept of self is that they are esteemed lesser than their male counterparts and this perception creates the biggest barrier to treatment for women. Males seem to have more access to power and substance abuse treatment services whereas in some situations women prefer to remain their subordinates. Substance abuse treatment can be specifically designed for women and in this way women's distinctive needs would be met and barriers would be reduced. On the other hand, a number of women do not approve of single gender treatment and as an alternative they recommend adjustments in mixed- gender treatment. Social workers should be given specialised training about the knowledge; values and skills involved in the area of substance abuse and should be aware of gender differences.