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. 2013 Nov;24(6):566-72.
doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2013.05.004. Epub 2013 Jun 4.

Access to treatment for substance-using women in the Republic of Georgia: socio-cultural and structural barriers

David Otiashvili  1 , Irma Kirtadze  2 , Kevin E O'Grady  3 , William Zule  4 , Evgeny Krupitsky  5 , Wendee M Wechsberg  4 , Hendrée E Jones  4
Affiliations

Access to treatment for substance-using women in the Republic of Georgia: socio-cultural and structural barriers

David Otiashvili et al. Int J Drug Policy. 2013 Nov.

Abstract

Background: 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.

Methods: This study included secondary analysis of in-depth interviews with 55 substance-using women and 34 providers of health-related services.

Results: The roles and norms of women in Georgian society were identified as major factors influencing their help-seeking behaviour. Factors that had a negative impact on use of drug treatment services included an absence of gender-specific services, judgmental attitudes of service providers, the cost of treatment and a punitive legal position in regard to substance use. Having a substance-using partner served as an additional factor inhibiting a woman's willingness to seek assistance.

Conclusion: 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.

Keywords: Barriers; Republic of Georgia; Substance abuse; Treatment policies; Women.

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