This thesis explores aspects of the experience of alcohol and drug problems which are unique to women, and specifically factors relating to the problematising of such experiences, and help-seeking. Drawing on feminist methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with 23 women, self-identified as problem alcohol and/or drug users, seventeen of whom were in residential treatment at the time of the study. Ten senior alcohol and drug agency staff were also interviewed. The five main topic areas addressed in the thesis are as follows: chaos; control; problem recognition; professional responses; and treatment - the benefits and costs for women. The context in which each aspect of alcohol and drug use is explored is one in which the dimension of gender takes centre stage. This thesis thus explores new dimensions of what may be seen as old problems. It engages with debates which have emerged from previous research on women, alcohol, and drugs, in part synthesising previous debates (for example, on the concept of control). The thesis also extends earlier analyses by exploring the dynamics of heterosexual relationships in which alcohol and drug use plays a major role (problem recognition), and develops additional depth in existing knowledge on previously under-researched areas (i.e. benefits and costs of treatment). The conclusion of the thesis explores differences which have emerged between women in the five topic areas under scrutiny. It is suggested that a feminist analysis of alcohol and drug use, which has tended in recent years to become marginalised in terms of influence on social policy, is vital to an understanding of both the antecedents and consequences of substance use for women.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:310359 |
| Date | January 1999 |
| Creators | Raine, Pamel Mary |
| Publisher | Lancaster University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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