It is undeniable that there are significant physiological differences between the males and females. The differences are commonly considered in some social aspects while in other they are ignored. For example, in sports it is rare that the female and male athletes of footballers would compete (Hunter et al., 2013). In the medical context in treatment, it is valuable that the differences should be considered and the following factors should be considered in the treatment of female gender.
The first crucial factor is the treatment retention which refers to the length of stay. Research identifies that women are more vulnerable to leaving treatment as they have a lower retention rate than the men (Ashley et al., 2013). The key factors that influence the retention of the women patients include the socio-demographic factors like relationships, age, and the education level. It is important to note that relationships are centric in the life of women as it potentially influence the identity, self-esteem, and the decision making process (Hunter et al., 2013). The treatment should thus be oriented to offer a strong need for connection as disconnections reduces the engagement and retention of the patients on great extents.
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The second key consideration is the treatment environment and the theoretical approach. The nature of the therapy sessions determine how the female patients suffering from substance abuse respond to treatment. Supportive therapy helps induces empathy, warmth, developing connection during treatment and the management of countertransference in the course of treatment (Centre for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2009). Collaborative approach based on activeness, optimism, constructive and productive sessions helps achieve positive outcome for women. It is therefore, to consider the treatment environment and the approach of treatment. Other significant factors include, type of treatment services, pregnancy, therapeutic alliance and counsellor characteristics. Due to the physiological differences based on gender it is crucial the mentioned factors should put into consideration in the treatment process for women.
References
Ashley, O.S., Marsden M. E., & Brady T. M. (2013). The effectiveness of substance abuse treatment programming for women: A review. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. V 29(1):19–53. [ PubMed ]
Centre for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2009). Substance Abuse Treatment: Addressing the Specific Needs of Women. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 51.) Chapter 7: Substance Abuse Treatment for Women. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK83257/
Hunter, B. A., Jason, L. A., & Keys, C. B. (2013). Factors of Empowerment for Women in Recovery from Substance Use. American Journal of Community Psychology , 51 (0), 91–102. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-012-9499-5
