Substance Use Among Women

There is increasing concern among all health and social care professionals about substance use among women. Of particular concern is the consequence of substance use on the physical, mental, and social well-being of women and also the repercussive effect on their children, families, and communities. Substance Abuse Among Women speaks directly to the helping professionals and students trying to understand the various aspects of substance use among women and the crisis that it has become. This comprehensive text is a compilation of theoretical, empirical, and clinical knowledge concerning key topics associated with substance use among women. The early chapters provide an overview of the issues with attention to the nature and extent of substance use among women. The text features a new empirically-based assessment model, developed by the authors, as well as a variety of modern theories and treatment interventions. Critical developmental issues including the toxic effects effects of substance use during and after pregnancy and the effects of substance use on healthy aging are included. Many important issues are also explored, including: major depression and other mental disorders; dual diagnosis; sexual abuse; and high-risk lifestyles. This useful and informative resource concludes with chapters devoted to strategies used in clinical practice. These chapters, rich in detail, will enable readers to select and apply these strategies to their own clinical practice.