3.4 Conclusion
>> Final Reflection Questions:
We saw in this module some of the complex links between substance use and other 'high risk' issues, how difficult it is to break free from the cycle of dependence, the importance in getting to the root of the problem in order to do so, and some of the barrier women face when trying to access support or services.
In the next module, we will explore some of the challenges/issues specific to being pregnant or raising a baby or young child and dealing with abuse and/or substance use.
The amount of empathy received by the client is considered to be one of the most important elements in the treatment relationship. (NIDA, 2002). In order to be able to respond with empathy and without judgment, it is important to be aware of your own feelings and beliefs with respect to these issues.
We leave you with some questions to contemplate before you begin the next module:
- Have I been impacted personally by the use of alcohol or other drugs?
- If I have been impacted, does this affect my ability to work with women who are pregnant, or have children, and who use drugs or alcohol?
- Do I have access to accurate, research- and evidence-based information about the effects of substance use on women and their children?
- Am I able to remain non-judgmental, empathic, respectful, and supportive when I encounter a pregnant woman, or woman with children, who uses drugs or alcohol?
- Am I able to adopt a holistic perspective to assist a woman to improve her health?
- Can I adopt a harm reduction approach - in other words, can I provide her with assistance to reduce the harms associated with substance use rather than focusing only on abstinence or quitting substance use?
- Can I overcome my personal beliefs about a womans need to change her substance use?
- Can I support her self-determination and plans to change in a non-coercive and caring fashion?
- Can I stay hopeful while finding ways to encourage hope in a woman who is pregnant or has children and is using substances?
(adapted from The SMART Guide, 2002)
>> REFERENCES:
Zubretsky, T.M. (2002). Promising Directions for Helping Chemically-Involved Battered Women Get Safe and Sober. In Albert R. Roberts, ed., Handbook of Domestic Violence Intervention Strategies. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.
http://www.hopenetworks.org/SoberAbuse.htm
Simmie, L. (2001). An Open Letter to Laura. In Addiction: notes from the belly of the beast. Crozier, L. & Lane, P., eds. Vancouver: Greystone.
BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions (2003). What is Addiction?
http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/factsheets/addiction.shtml
Finklestein, N. (1994) "Treatment Issues for Alcohol- and Drug-Dependent Pregnant and Parenting Women" 19:1 Health and Social Work 7, pp 12.
Action on Womens Addictions EResearch & Education (AWARE) and Breaking the Cycle (2002). The Smart Guide: Motivation Approaches Within the Stages of Change for Pregnant Women Who Use Alcohol.
The Womens Addiction Foundation also has excellent fact sheets on women and addictions:
http://www.womenfdn.org/Resources/info/infoToc.htm