A Qualitative Study of Specific Needs of Women for Treatment of Addiction

The aim of the present study is to assess the specific needs of female substance abusers in the treatment of addiction، in order to contribute to the development of plans and policies aimed at improving services to the mentioned group.

62 women with substance dependence and three service providers، from “Chitgar” and Khaneh Khorshid” treatment centers، participated in this qualitative study. The participants were interviewed during seven sessions of focused group discussion as well as 23 sessions of in-depth individual interviews. Data were gathered using a directory list، and the topics of the list were established based on discussions with the authorities of the mentioned centers، as well as text assessment. The problems of addicted females were divided into general problems، problems related to the treatment period، and post-treatment problems. Also، two separate lists were designed for single and married women. Sessions and interviews were continued to the point of data saturation.

Most women considered social stigma، humiliation، family rejection and severe poverty as their major problems. More than one fourth of the subjects were homeless and more than half had experienced physical or sexual abuse in the past. Insufficient numbers of female physicians and the lack of health consultation and education، unsafe environment and inadequate health and welfare facilities، were among the most important limitations. There was also a shortage of psychosocial services، including shelters، vocational activities and care for children in both centers.

The expansion of services specifically geared to women’s needs in general، and psycho-social services in particular، is an absolute necessity for the successful treatment of addiction in women.