The design of a drug rehabilitation center for women with children incorporated the treatment theories of therapeutic communities. At the time this center was designed, only two facilities of this type were in use specifically for women. The Washington metropolitan area was in need of such a treatment program for women. Three architectural concepts were studied which were appropriate for this type of facility: threshold, community and natural light. Threshold became a symbol for change. The development of a small community within was the unifying concept for this project. Natural light was developed as an important element which is a healing medicine for the psychological and mental health of a person. Society needs to deal with the problem of drugs and the hold they take on people. It is no longer responsible for us to turn our heads from this affliction. Facilities such as the one developed in this thesis will help mothers overcome their addictions, while obtaining some family cohesion. The children that are able to participate with their mothers will hopefully avoid the same mistakes their own mothers made. One day they may grow up to become responsible, contributing parents and citizens. / Master of Architecture

The purpose of this study is to see if all the special circumstances, extra classes, and parenting aspects of a treatment program are effective for pregnant substance abusing women. This study also explored the factors that contributed to the perceived satisfaction and effectiveness of the clients enrolled in a drug and alcohol treatment program.

The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of female nyaope injectors residing in City of Tshwane Municipality, Gauteng. The study was conducted at COSUP sites namely; Soshanguve, Pretoria CBD, Sunnyside, Mamelodi, Eersterust, and Attridgeville. The study focused on females who have a history of injecting nyaope, accessing substance use related services at a registered service provider within City of Tshwane Municipality, Gauteng. Research design of the study was exploratory, which is basically used to explore a new topic or learn more about phenomenon where little is known. The research approach was purely qualitative methodology. This permitted the researcher to deeply explore the lived experiences of female nyaope injectors residing in City of Tshwane Municipality, Gauteng. A qualitative in-depth interview method was used to collect data from 24 participants who took part in the study. Questions of the interview were semi-structured, in-depth one-on-one interviews and were used to explore the lived experiences of female nyaope injectors residing in City of Tshwane Municipality, Gauteng. The findings of the study revealed that females who are injecting nyaope, are at risk of contracting HIV and other blood-borne infections. The stigma that is perpetuated by families, intimate partners, communities, health care professionals, and police officers is creating a hostile environment for female nyaope injectors; which increases the risk of contracting HIV and other blood-borne infections. Harm reduction services have the potential to address the needs of female nyaope injectors if fully implemented. It can be concluded that there is a need for substance abuse service providers to implement comprehensive harm reduction services to curb HIV prevalence amongst female nyaope injectors. / Health Studies / M.A. (Social Behavioural Studies in HIV/AIDS)