The needs of women with substance use issues who are pregnant or parenting are not being met by traditional addiction services. Aboriginal mothers are up against even more challenges. Researchers in Hamilton and Saskatchewan reviewed the evidence on integrated and Aboriginal treatment programs, and found that many of the programs for Aboriginal women are not culturally-sensitive; are not gender specific; require women to travel far away to get treatment so they end up relapsing when they return home; and don’t offer any/enough aftercare.
There is an urgent need for integrated, women-only, culturally-appropriate treatments that are welcoming and flexible, and aim to reduce the harmful effects of substance use on women and their children. Research authors offered recommendations for future research and practice.
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