Prevention of Substance Abuse, HIV & AIDS among Women, and Treatment and Rehabilitation of Women Substance Abusers

Although it is widely accepted thatt men are more likely to become addicts, women who are in addiction face tougher problems. They tend to progress more quickly from using an addictive substance to dependance. They also develop medical or social consequences of addiction faster that men, often find it harder to quit and are more susceptible to relapse. Gender differences can therefore affect their treatment and way towards care, support and rehabilitation. For women who are substance abusers and are HIV positive, this phenomenon is even harder.

Gender-related drug treatment should not only attend to biological differences but also to social and environmental factors.

The services offered at NATReSA and its treatment centres for women, which comprise of medical, biological, social and environmental are seen as best practices which are helping women come out of their addiction and mainstream in the society as a common human being.

Because many life circumstances of these women impact on them and predominate them during their addiction it is essential that a specialised treatment approach be adopted for them and same is offered, especially at the 2 treatment centres mentioned herein.

Other factors unique to women also influence their treatment, such as financial independance, pregnancy and child care, all of which are considered at the centres.

The impact of these practices on women centre make them feel rebuild their self-esteem, confidence, dignity and the will to work and contribute for their families leading healthy lives.
Gender matters when discussion on “Substance Abuse in women” is raised. The initiation of substance use, abuse, treatment and rehabilitation are affected by gender differences. There gender differences can be biological, psychological, cultural and socio-economic factors. Understanding these gender differences in of the vulnerability of the woman and responsiveness to substance abuse will enhance the development of more gender-specific treatments.

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