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Jennifer Fuld, MA, PhD Candidate, Division of Health and Science Policy, The New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029-5293, 212-822-7390, jfuld@nyam.org and Maureen Miller, PhD, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, Room 1210, New York City, NY 10032.
Relationships conferring social support among women drug users are often embedded within the street life and drug economy. Public health interventions encourage women to sever drug-related relationships after completing drug treatment. Little is known about changes in social support women experience during periods of drug cessation. This qualitative analysis examines social support and social isolation after drug treatment, with an emphasis on the social environment of drug use. In-depth interviews were conducted between March–November 2000, with 28 women who use drugs (cocaine, crack, heroin) in NYC. Women, 18 or older, were recruited out-of-treatment. Interviews were analyzed using Atlas.ti. Women’s main relationships before drug treatment centered on the acquisition of drugs as well as social ties with others involved in the drug trade. Relationships with family were sporadic. After drug treatment, women described avoiding street life, staying inside, and seeking neutral territories as strategies to deter renewed drug use. Women described feeling vulnerable to the neighborhood but also isolated without social relationships. Viable opportunities to foster new relationships without ties to drug use were not discussed. Reported relapse was common. Social support, particularly social interaction is important to women during both drug use and drug cessation. Avoiding drug related relationships (i.e., those who previously provided support), leads to social isolation in the absence of an alternative support structure. Findings suggest the importance of a model of drug treatment that addresses the challenges of social support and social isolation after drug treatment ends.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to
Keywords: Drug Use, Women's Health
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.