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Women-Friendly Services

Women-Friendly Services

Drink and Drug News have written an article following the second conference of Brighton’s Oasis Project. The article states that there is a lack of gender specific services available for those with a substance misuse problem, particularly with reference to women. The article suggests that often, amongst women, substance misuse initiation is as a result of their relationship.

It details that, frequently, a partner will introduce them to such substances; or they will start to misuse to deal with some form of abuse, trauma or in an attempt to manage a mental health problem. Such drug use could make women more vulnerable to exploitation and victimisation.

In additional to this, the article also suggests that the rate at which women misuse substances rapidly increases in comparison to men. Therefore, when women seek help, their needs are much greater, not only on a physical basis, but on psychological and social basis. Women have a greater fear of stigma according to the article. Worried about being viewed as an unfit mother or being rejected by society are primary concerns. This, therefore, may be why women are more reluctant to ask for help sooner. Dr Elaine Clarke, a GP in the Brighton area stated that the biggest hindrance towards recovery is stigma so more effort needs to be made to fully support women in accessing the services they need. Empathy and respect are key to making alcohol services more user-friendly and according to Dr Clarke; this is the approach that should be applied within all service sectors.

Alcohol and drug services should be readily available for those in need of support. Women especially require gender-specific services to be able to discuss their problems confidentially and access the most appropriate services for their needs, including advice for financial problems, housing needs and family support services.

Within the conference, Gavin Beard of the Priory Group discussed whether gender-specific residential care or community care would be most appropriate for women’s need. He detailed that bother gender groups would benefit from residential care in terms of support offered and often it is the case that service users have tried to address their addiction using community services but these have been exhausted. Stepping aside from their home location into a neutral setting allows service users to fully focus on their treatment program, away from family, friends and dealers.

Therefore, this indicates that there is a need for gender specific residential alcohol abuse clinics in north England and southern England to ensure the best level of support is offered to those in greatest need. This conference highlighted several reasons as to why this needs to be addressed; now it will be up to the government to ensure local services are getting the support they need to put such ideas into practise.

Drink and Drug News: Women-friendly services – Vicious Circles. June 2011. CJ Wellings LTD. London.

Published by Addiction Advisor on 04/08/2011.

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