Alcoholism recovery and treatment needs of women

Abstract

Among American women, alcohol is the single leading drug of abuse, yet research in addiction has concentrated on male subjects. Most models of treatment were developed to meet the needs of male patients. Contemporary research indicates that clear differences in substance abuse effects exist between men and women. This study identified specific issues or themes that could help augment recovery for women who are in treatment for alcoholism. Structured interviews were conducted with seven adult women, 21 years or older who are in recovery from alcohol dependence and who regularly attend AA meetings. The study addressed several issues pertaining to women’s alcoholism that formed themes relating to factors that could help women obtain treatment earlier and elements of treatment programs that could be more responsive to female clients and improve their aftercare services. The respondents were asked ten open-ended questions concerning issues that were important in their recovery from alcoholism but were not adequately addressed while in treatment and aftercare. It was found that the two youngest women sought treatment earlier than most of the older women, and that other women often were the impetus for many of the participants seeking treatment. The participants’ answers indicated that if women’s emotional concerns were addressed more in treatment, they likely would have benefited more from treatment. Relationship health was an important topic for women in this study. It was also found that, in general, the women in this study were not satisfied with their counselors in treatment or in aftercare. Information gathered through this study may be helpful to identify the specific recovery and treatment needs of women with alcoholism.