The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71293

Candace Shelton, MS, CSAC, Native American Connections, Inc, 6965 N. Camio Verde, Tucson, AZ 85743, 520-881-8182, canshelton@aol.com

The impact of multi-generational alcoholism affects every member of the family. Many women grow up in an alcoholic family and the impact can be emotional and/or physical. Some women who present for AOD treatment are affected by neurological damage resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol, especially the repeat client. Successful treatment of women who are of childbearing years is the best prevention intervention for FASD. Many of the treatment models are based on principals primarily for men. Understanding the culture of treating women and recognizing the differences from standard treatment protocols are imperative to providing successful treatment for women. Culture is important in treating any population. Taking cultural values into consideration when working with American Indian women is fundamental to successful treatment outcomes. Those outcomes may be different than the traditional models of treatment that do not take culture or women’s issues into consideration. This presentation will identify strategies and techniques for working with women in treatment. In addition, there will be a discussion of the best practices for serving women in treatment that may be effected by FASD. Finally, a discussion of culture and its implications for treatment will be discussed. The discussion will include identifying interventions that optimize treatment success for American Indian women.

Learning Objectives:

• “By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• 4. Apply strategies and techniques in providing substance abuse treatment to women affected by FASD.”
  8. Discuss cultural factors as they relate to women in substance abuse treatment.”
  12. Identify cultural implications in treating American Indian Women with substance abuse disorders.”

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.