Life experiences of women with substance use disorder within the patterns of addiction; Manisa province example

Purpose: In this study, the reasons for starting and continuing substance use in women with substance use disorder, the risk factors, the difficulties and needs they experience as a woman during this process, the factors that prevent or delay their application to treatment processes, the treatment methods applied during the treatment processes, the occurrences in family and social support systems. It is aimed to analyze the coming changes in the focus of biopsychosocial approach. Material and Methods: Qualitative research method was used in the study, and this research is carried out with women who have been or have been treated in the AMATEM service in Manisa Psychiatric and Neurological Diseases Hospital and who have quit the substance. The sample was determined according to the principle of maximum diversity. Research data were collected via telephone due to pandemic conditions. The obtained data were analyzed by content analysis, and the software program MAXQDA22, which helps the researcher to evaluate the qualitative texts systematically, was used in the analysis of the data. Findings: A total of 31 female participants were interviewed within the scope of the research. Our research findings reveal that the majority of the participants have deteriorated relationships with their families, have difficulty in finding a job, face economic problems, are exposed to stigmatization, and show that there are no specialized treatment services for women and that they cannot benefit from the services provided adequately. Finally, it is emphasized that family support is very important for women with substance use disorders to adapt to their lives after treatment. Results: Women with substance use disorders are more exposed to violence, neglect and abuse and stigmatized during their addiction process due to their gender. The problems that women experience within the scope of gender inequality are exacerbated by the phenomenon of dependency and prevent their access to rights and services. In this context, it is recommended to keep the treatment period longer in the services to be developed for women and to create special treatment programs specialized for women. Key Words: Substance use disorder, women, biopsychosocial model, social work