Suchergebnisse

Special considerations when working with women with substance use disorders were assessed in comparison to male counterparts. Topics included gender differences relating to physiological, psychological and socio-cultural spheres. Treatment considerations related to trauma sensitivity, marginalization and stigma were addressed. Special considerations relating to female racial minority populations were evaluated and explored. Research included a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed journal articles, research studies and government report findings covering multiple disciplines: counseling, neuropsychology, medical, criminal justice and social work. Findings of this research revealed significant diversity and complexity within the American population of females struggling with chemical addiction. Due to this complexity, working with females in addictions treatment can be more challenging than working with males and frequently requires multiple levels of treatment. The findings of this paper encourage counselors, even those not directly working in addictions, to become more aware of these special considerations when working with female clients.