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Women only drugs services: improving treatment outcomes for female drug users
April Wareham, Service User Advocate, London
Abstract
Proportionally less women present for drug treatment and have fewer successful treatment outcomes than men. Women are more likely than men to have a partner who also uses drugs.
There are specific issues that are faced by female drug users: the increased likelihood of having experienced childhood abuse, rape or domestic violence and the subsequent impact on confidence, self-esteem and mental health. There is a known correlation between substance misuse and Street Sex Working. Women drug users are particularly vulnerable to the risk of BBV transmission both sexually and by being injected by others.
Women drug users face increased stigma and discrimination from professionals and society. Women from ethnic minorities may face culturally specific stigma and discrimination. Drug using mothers are portrayed in the media and perceived by society to be "deviant" and "unfeminine". Mothers are often afraid to access drugs services for fear of losing their children. Mainstream Drugs Services are frequently male dominated environments and may display a selection of materials that are inappropriate for children. Childcare is a barrier to accessing treatment.
In 2007 Hackney DAAT commissioned a Drug Service specifically for women. The Service Provider is LIFELINE. The Service is situated close to the main CDS and is a women only space (including staff). This is a women-centred, needs-led service that supports clients in dealing with complex gender-specific needs. This is achieved both within the service and by strong partnership working with a wide variety of agencies. The service provides prescribing, one-to-one and group work, peer support and access to counselling, parenting skills and ETE.
The service provides good outcomes; these are not only drug-specific but may relate to education, domestic violence, parenting skills or self-esteem.
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Biography
I used drugs for more than 20 years. I have been involved in a number of Peer Support and Peer Education projects, a number of which were gender specific. I have been a street sex-worker. I have been a Service User of LIFELINE Women's Service in Hackney. I have a young child. I am currently a Service User Representative, I am involved in Advocacy, Peer Support and Peer Education. I am a member of the London Users Forum and the National User Network. I am involved in setting a community assessed support group for drug using parents of children under the age of 5.
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