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PhD Thesis - Copeland, J.

The development of a model of treatment for women with alcohol and other drug problems. Sydney: University of New South Wales, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
Copeland, J. (1995)

Abstract:
This thesis uses a variety of methodologies to evaluate an influential model of treatment for women with alcohol and other drug dependence. According to this model, such women are best treated in specialist women's services that recognise and address their special needs.

A major component of the thesis was a quasi-experimental comparison of the outcome of treatment for women attending specialist women's and traditional mixed-sex treatment services. The results of this comparison provided mixed support for this model of treatment. The specialist women's service succeeded in attracting a clientele that has been under-represented in traditional treatment programs, namely, women with dependent children, lesbians, and women with a history of sexual assault. It was also more successful in retaining these women in treatment. At the time of discharge and six-months post treatment, however, there were no significant differences in outcome between the women attending the two models of treatment, although in almost all outcome measures there was a small consistent difference in favour of the specialist women's service.

The final study was a qualitative exploration of women's experiences of recovery from alcohol and other drug problems without the assistance of professional intervention or self-help groups. This study identified a population of women who differed in social stability and social support, a personal history of sexual abuse, or a family history of alcohol and other drug dependence from women who seek professional interventions. The issues which prompted women to change their alcohol or drug use included pregnancy, lactation, concerns about vulnerability to sexual victimisation, and risky sexual behaviours whilst intoxicated.

Overall, the thesis provided mixed support for the specialist women's model of treatment. Many of the needs identified by this model were commonly found among women with alcohol and other drug dependence and these needs did not appear to be dequately addressed within existing mixed-sex programs. However, while it is likely that treatment which addresses these concerns will be more effective than those which do not, it remains to be demonstrated that the provision of treatment in specialist women's programs is the best way of doing so. Better tests of this model are required. In the interim, broad suggestions have been made about ways in which existing programs could be improved for their female clients with alcohol and other drug dependence.

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