On the occasion of November - the month of addiction, the Association for Support in the Prevention of Narcotic Addictions "Izlazak" from Belgrade points out the disadvantageous position of women who struggle with addiction diseases, which is further aggravated due to the pandemic, and at the same time emphasizes that - Addiction is not a choice that someone makes.
According to the International and National Health Calendar, the month of November is dedicated to the fight against addiction, and in neighboring countries it is celebrated from November 15 to December 15. The epidemic of the disease COVID-19 had an impact on the life of every person and family, both in Serbia and throughout the world, as well as on the services and treatments intended for people struggling with addiction.
This year, through the online campaign "Addiction is not a choice that someone makes", the Association "Izlazak" wants to draw the public's attention to the problems faced by people who struggle with this disease, and especially to women who are in a much less favorable position than men.
In 2017, the Izlazak Association opened a free and anonymous telephone line and counseling center, and the number is 0800 104 100.
Namely, in most age groups, men have a higher rate of drug and alcohol use or addiction than women. However, women are just as likely to develop a substance use disorder as men. In addition, women may be more sensitive to craving and relapse, which are key stages of the addiction cycle.
Women often use drugs differently and may have unique barriers to effective treatment such as inability to find child care or prescribing treatments that have not been adequately tested on women. Gender-specific interventions are not available in society, mixed-gender programs are available to a certain extent but do not respond to women's specific needs such as assistance related to childcare, pregnancy, parenting, domestic violence, sexual trauma and victimization, psychiatric comorbidity , accommodation, financial support and social services.
Because of their traditional role in society, the stigma attached to addiction can be stronger for women and thus prevent them from seeking help. Long-term isolation can be common among stay-at-home moms or in cases where women have not had active employment outside the home.
In the domain of the family, men have authority over women and children, and the use of psychoactive substances is the main risk factor for domestic violence. The complex relationship between domestic violence and substance abuse creates unique treatment challenges and encourages relapse into both behaviors. Women who use drugs are more exposed to domestic violence, and women in violent relationships are more prone to addiction than women in non-violent relationships. Combined with drug or alcohol addiction, domestic violence can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation that is difficult to get out of.
More than half of the criminal acts of violence in families in the Balkans are related to the use of drugs. The risk of domestic violence increases when both parties have a disorder caused by an addiction problem. The social systems of Balkan society show little sympathy for victims of domestic and sexual abuse and often see the victim's drug use as a reason for the abuse.
Women living in the Balkans have very limited opportunities for drug addiction treatment, and the double stigmatization of women is the main obstacle in seeking help and support, especially if they are also victims of domestic violence. Addiction can be seen in two different domains. On the one hand, the stigma of addiction can negatively affect a person's willingness to seek treatment and can accentuate negative feelings of shame and isolation. On the other hand, women may start using drugs and alcohol due to physical and mental health problems, poverty, child loss and custody.
"Despite the differences in addiction between men and women, if the cost of addiction has become unbearable, call the free and anonymous phone line 0800 104 100 and our female counselors will provide you with support from the first call to the post-treatment process," urges the "Izlazak" Association.
Source: UNS - http://presscentar.uns.org.rs/info/3829/zavisnost-nije-izbor-koji-neko-pravi.html
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