3.3 Susan's Story
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Why Women Use:
What are some of the other reasons women (in abusive relationships or not) might begin or continue to use substances?
Click to see more answers.
At BC Women's Hospital's Fir Square Program, a specialized
program for pregnant women who are using substances, practitioners have
found that childhood sexual abuse and its related mental health impacts
are important underlying factors for women's continued substance use.
"For many women, heroin is the only thing that can take away the
nightmares of childhood sexual abuse and violence", says Sarah Payne,
nurse and senior practice leader.
For more information on the use of alcohol or drugs to cope with situations or feelings, to experience pleasure, or out of habit, see:
http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/child_protection/fas/fas3a.htm#drugs