PRINCIPLES OF ATOD PREVENTION AND TREATMENT AMONG WOMEN

Course overview

This course is designed to provide information needed to better understand, intervene, and treat womens ATOD abuse. The beginning of this course reviews the specific trends in alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription and over-the-counter drug use among women. These trends are examined relative to diverse population groups of women including: women of various racial and ethnic groups; women in the criminal justice system;pregnant women; and women who are homeless or lesbian. Physiological and psychological health effects related to womens ATOD use is outlined in the course, including: changes in metabolism, STDs (including HIV), impacts on pregnancy, reproductive difficulties and self-esteem. Specific issues affecting women's ATOD use are discussed, such as: sexuality, violence, dual disorders, relationships and children. Detailed treatment procedures such as removing barriers to service access, components of comprehensive care, relationship issues, cultural competence, and retention in treatment are included. An increased level of understanding and an expanded knowledge base obtained from this course can assist in meeting the diverse needs of substance abusing women and contribute to an improved effectiveness of services available to them. Course includes: 83 pages