Prescription Drugs and Abuse in Women: A Community Perspective

Prescription Drugs and Abuse in Women: A Community Perspective One person dies every 19 minutes from prescription drug abuse in the United States (CDC) According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) an estimate of twenty – seven thousand unintentional drug overdose deaths occurred in 2007

Prescription Drugs and Abuse in Women: A Community Perspective The CDC reports the two main groups at risk for prescription drug overdose are the nine million people who report long-term medical use of opioids – and the roughly 5 million people who have used opioids without prescription or medical need

Prescription Drugs and Abuse in Women: A Community Per Seventy percent of females who responded to the Waismann Method Opiate Survey confirmed that their dependence began after taking legitimate doctor-prescribed medication. Fifty Percent of the who answered the survey received prescription from only one doctor and 31 percent sought treatment from multiple doctors.

Prescription Drugs and Abuse in Women: A Community Perspective For fifty percent of the female respondents withdrawal symptoms were the number one reason they were not able to stop taking the drug without help. Thirty-one percent of women obtained their prescription medication by ordering over the internet. Of the female respondents 52 percent were married at the time of treatment and 64 percent had children.

Prescription Drugs and Abuse in Women: A Community Perspective One person dies every 19 minutes from prescription drug abuse in the United States.

Prescription Drugs and Abuse in Women: A Community Perspective Vicodin Oxycontin Lortab Percocet Norco Suboxone Non-Prescription Methadone Subutex

Prescription Drugs and Abuse in Women: A community Perspective Roxicodine Darvocet Dilaudid Poppy Tea Tussionex Demerol Fentanyl

Why do some Women Abuse Opiates Genetic factors. To feel a sense of belonging or safety. Introduced to drug(s) by parents at early age. Introduced to drug(s) by peers and/or by boyfriend as a teen. Experimental use that progressed to abuse and eventually to addiction. Underlying mental health issues.

Why do some Women Abuse Opiates Prescribed by physician “ Opiates gives me energy”

Why can’t they just stop taking opiates The opiate addicted female can’t stop craving the pills as the high wears off after frequent use. Have developed a higher tolerance. Feel the need to continue using to ward off severe symptoms of withdrawal. It’s those severe withdrawal symptoms that can push addicted women to take drastic measures to get their pills

Risks Prescription cut off after opiate abuse is detected by physician. Began to purchase pills off the streets. Putting self and often time children at risk for harm when searching for drugs. Pill cost on the streets too expensive-heroin is much cheaper. Introduced to injecting the drug (IDU) for quicker and more intense high.

Risks Sexual exploitation (multiple sex partners) Risk for HIV/AIDS – Hepatitis and other sexually transmitted diseases increases Physically and emotionally abused. Overdose and death (not concerned about dying-the drug overrides the risk of death.

How can Women Get Help Majority of women eventually have run-in with law/sent to jail and or court ordered to treatment Family members and/or spouse encourage treatment. Hospitalization due to suicidal attempt and at release hospital treatment plan recommends substance abuse treatment. Volunteer or self admit to Substance Abuse Treatment Program.

Barriers that hinders women from accessing treatment Mental Health issues not addressed in treatment and may not have been diagnosed Not many treatment programs are designed to focus specifically on women’s issues. Shame and Guilt unresolved issues related to behaviors attached to activities during active addiction. Lost custody or child(ren) – abortions – adoptions.

Barriers that Hinders Women from accessing treatment Unresolved family of origin issues. Unresolved abuse (sexual) issues.

Treatment Options Residential Treatment and detoxification. Intensive Out Patient Treatment (IOP) Methadone Treatment (MMT) – Methadone is a synthetic opiate that suppresses symptoms of withdrawal when it is controlled.

Literature Review Effectiveness of Substance Abuse Treatment Programming for Women: A Review – Ashley, Marsden and Thomas – The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse (Vol. 29, No 1. pp 19-53, 2003) Women with Co-Occurring Serious Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder – the NSDUH Report (National Survey on Drug Use and Health (August 20, 2004)

Literature Review Women and Addiction in the United States – 1920 to the Present. Stephen R. Kandall, M.D Substance abuse treatment entry, retention and outcome in women: A review of the literature. Greenfield, Brooks, Gordon, Green, Kropp, McHugh, Lincoln, Hien and Miele. Drug and Alcohol Dependence 86 (2007) 1-21 Women a d Addiction (Alcohol and Opiates): Comparative Analysis of Psychosocial Aspects. Raketic, Branka, Gajic,S., Gajic.T, and Mirjana

Special Recognition Kristen Bachmann Kimberly Doss Fancy Cupps