Women with Alcohol and Drug Problems in Aftercare Treatment: At Admission and Discharge

• NCJ Number: 196734
• Journal: Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: 2002 Pages: 51-69
• Author(s): Anne H. Skinstad Ph.D.; Michele J. Eliason Ph.D.; Patrice Carrello Ph.D.; Jayatta D. Jones M.A.
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research Paper
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study analyzed changes, if any, in alcohol and drug abusing women from admission to discharge from an aftercare program.

Abstract

Sixty-nine women were admitted to 3 programs and 51 completed aftercare treatment. Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and sleep disturbance were reduced at discharge. Women's experiences of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse were significantly reduced at discharge and the number of women having custody of their children increased at discharge. Women's personal concerns about ability to raise their children, as well as those of others, were reduced at discharge. Women's experiences with the aftercare program were overall very positive. The study noted the women's increased self-esteem, small positive changes in their lifestyle, and diminished symptoms of emotional disorder. The study recommends extensive outreach programs for women with alcohol and drug disorders, in order to help them identify their substance abuse problems before irreversible negative consequences have the chance to develop. In addition, it recommends increased efforts to educate primary health care providers about the characteristics of alcohol and drug abuse in women. Tables, references