The International journal on drug policy
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Int. J. Drug Policy · Nov 2013
Substance, structure and stigma: parents in the UK accounting for opioid substitution therapy during the antenatal and postnatal periods.
Parenting and pregnancy in the context of drug use is a contentious topic, high on the policy agenda. Providing effective support to parents who are opioid dependent, through early intervention, access to drug treatment and parenting skills training, is a priority. However, little is known about opioid dependent parents' experiences and understanding of parenting support during the antenatal and postnatal periods. This paper focuses on the position and impact of opioid substitution therapy (OST) in the accounts of parents who were expecting, or who had recently had, a baby in the UK. ⋯ Parents' accounts of OST can be seen as a response to socio-cultural ideals of a 'good', drug-free parent. Reflecting the liminal position parents engaged in OST found themselves in, their narratives entailed reconciling their status as a 'drug-using parent' with a view of an 'ideal parent' who was abstinent.
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Int. J. Drug Policy · Nov 2013
Access to treatment for substance-using women in the Republic of Georgia: socio-cultural and structural barriers.
In the Republic of Georgia, women comprise under 2% of patients in substance use treatment and to date there has been no empirical research to investigate what factors may facilitate or hinder their help-seeking behaviour or access to treatment services. ⋯ Within the context of orthodox Georgian society, low self-esteem, combined with severe family and social stigma play a critical role in creating barriers to the use of both general health and substance-use-treatment services for women. Education of the public, including policy makers and health care providers is urgently needed to focus on addiction as a treatable medical illness. The need for more women centred services is also critical to the provision of effective treatment for substance-using women.