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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Olivia Silber Ashley, DrPH1, Mary Ellen Marsden, PhD1, and Thomas M. Brady, PhD2. (1) Center for Interdisciplinary Substance Abuse Research, RTI International, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 277098-2194, (919) 541-6427, osilber@rti.org, (2) Office of Applied Studies, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Parklawn Bldg, 5600 Fishers Lane, Suite 16-105, Rockville, MD 20857
Recent research has shown that women and men differ in substance abuse etiology, disease progression, and access to treatment for substance abuse. Substance abuse treatment specifically designed for women has been proposed as one way to meet women’s distinctive needs and reduce barriers to their receiving and remaining in treatment. However, relatively few substance abuse treatment programs offer specialized services for women, and effectiveness has not been fully evaluated. This paper reviews the literature on the extent and effectiveness of substance abuse treatment programming for women and provides an overview of what is known about the components of successful treatment programs for women. Based on existing studies, one-fifth to one-fourth of substance abuse treatment programs offer specialized treatment programming for women. Thirty-eight studies of the effect on treatment outcomes of substance abuse treatment programming for women were reviewed. Seven were randomized, controlled trials, and 31 were nonrandomized studies. In our review, six components of substance abuse treatment programming for women were examined: child care, prenatal care, women-only programs, supplemental services and workshops that address women-focused topics, mental health programming, and comprehensive programming. The studies found positive associations between these six components and treatment completion, length of stay, decreased use of substances, reduced mental health symptoms, improved birth outcomes, employment, self-reported health status, and HIV risk reduction. These findings suggest that to improve the future health and well-being of women and their children, there is a continued need for well-designed studies of substance abuse treatment programming for women.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to
Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.