Women Archives

The Authors’ Own Words: Past-Year Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs among Women on Probation and Parole: A Cross-Sectional Study

Jan 18, 2020 by AMERSA

The Authors’ Own Words:

We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Past-Year Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs among Women on Probation and Parole: A Cross-Sectional Study

Martin T. Hall, PhD, MSSW; Diana Ball, MSW; Jeanelle Sears, MSW, MSc; George E. Higgins, PhD, MPA; T K Logan, PhD; & Seana Golder, PhD, MSW

Substance Abuse Vol. 39, Iss. 3, 2018

“Past 12-month nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) was common among this sample of victimized women on probation and parole. Other substance use, pain, and trauma symptoms were strongly associated with past-year NMUPD. Interventions that improve access to physical and behavioral health services are needed, as are trauma-informed treatments and correctional care.”

The Authors’ Own Words: The intersection of women’s sexual pleasure and injection drug use

Nov 19, 2019 by AMERSA

The Authors’ Own Words:

We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

The intersection of women’s sexual pleasure and injection drug use

Caroline Katzman, BA & Ellen Tuchman, MSW, PhD

Substance Abuse Vol. 40, Iss. 2, 2019

“After conducting a thorough literature search, I found that most research about women who inject drugs focuses primarily on health risks, sex work, and interpersonal violence, with no mention of female pleasure or agency. When I began reading through these semi-structured qualitative interviews, I knew immediately that these women’s voices needed to be heard. Their voices were strong, their agency was clear, and they provided a positive viewpoint about sexual pleasure and relationships that has not yet been considered. We must share the nuances of all women’s perspectives to help shape our interventions because no intervention can be “one-size-fits-all.” It is imperative to understand the diversity in patient perspectives and experiences to help our patients stay healthy and safe.“

The Authors’ Own Words: ‘A Scarlet Letter:’ Stigma and Other Factors Affecting Trust in the Healthcare System for Women Seeking Substance Abuse Treatment in a Community Setting

Nov 16, 2019 by AMERSA

The Authors’ Own Words:

We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

‘A Scarlet Letter:’ Stigma and Other Factors Affecting Trust in the Healthcare System for Women Seeking Substance Abuse Treatment in a Community Setting

Joshua D. Cockroft, BA; Susie M. Adams, PhD, RN, PMHNP; Kemberlee Bonnet, MA; Deondria Matlock, MS; Jessica McMillan, DNP, RN, PMHNP; & David Schlundt , PhD

Substance Abuse Vol. 40, Iss. 2, 2019

“Though derived from a small sample size, the findings of this study demonstrate multiple factors that influence trust of the healthcare system for women who seek substance abuse treatment in a community setting. Efforts should be made to address components of healthcare organizations that predispose to stigma, poor quality of care, negatively aligned payment structure and reimbursement, ensuring patients’ rights and protections, and mediating the healthcare system’s potential role in causing or influencing an individual’s substance use disorder (SUD). These findings suggest that public health or institutional interventions to improve treatment for women with a history of SUD may require direct engagement with experiential and structural factors that influence trust and healthcare entry and engagement in order to be effective.“