Addiction Medicine

Research data from W.M. Wechsberg and colleagues update understanding of drug abuse

"The study sample (N = 506) comprised 335 FSW and 171 female non-SW from Pretoria and surrounding areas. Self-reported data about alcohol and other drug use as well as treatment needs and access were collected from participants before they entered a brief intervention. As compared with female non-SW, FSW were found to have a greater likelihood of having a past year diagnosis of alcohol or other drug abuse or dependence, having a family member with a history of alcohol or other drug abuse, having been physically abused, having used alcohol before age 18, and having a history of marijuana use. In addition, the FSW were more likely to perceive that they had alcohol or other drug problems, and that they had a need for treatment and a desire to go for treatment. Less than 20% of participants in either group had any awareness of alcohol and drug treatment programs, with only 3% of the FSW and 2% of the non-SW reporting that they tried but were unable to enter treatment in the past year. FSW need and want substance abuse treatment services but they often have difficulty accessing services. The study findings suggest that barriers within the South African treatment system need to be addressed to facilitate access for substance-using FSW," wrote W.M. Wechsberg and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "Ongoing research is needed to inform policy change that fosters widespread educational efforts and sustainable, accessible, woman-sensitive services to ultimately break the cycle for current and future generations of at-risk South African women.."

Wechsberg and colleagues published their study in Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy (Substance abuse, treatment needs and access among female sex workers and non-sex workers in Pretoria, South Africa. Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy, 2009;4():11).

For more information, contact W.M. Wechsberg, RTI International, Research Triangle Institute, Subst Abuse Treatment Evaluation & Intervent Research Pro, 3040 Cornwallis Rd., POB 12194, Research Triangle Pk, NC 27709, USA.

Publisher contact information for the journal Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy is: Biomedical Central Ltd., Current Science Group, Middlesex House, 34-42 Cleveland St., London W1T 4LB, England.

Keywords: United States, Drug Abuse, Addiction Medicine, Clinical Trial Research, Therapy, Treatment.

This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.