Iranian Women's Challenges with Drug Abuse

Abstract

In light of the concerning increase in addiction rates among women, who play a vital role in family support and the upbringing of future generations, this study seeks to illuminate the distinct challenges encountered by women grappling with substance use disorders. A comprehensive understanding of these challenges is imperative for the development of effective prevention, management, and treatment strategies. This research is based on the content analysis approach and is a part of a larger study using the hermeneutic method. The participant group comprised both current and former female substance users, with data collected through interviews with eight individuals selected via purposive and snowball sampling methods from social harm centers in Tehran and Saveh County. The analysis of the interviews yielded three primary themes: life fluctuations, specific consequences, and received feedback. As women increasingly engage in societal roles and assume additional responsibilities beyond traditional expectations, their burdens and vulnerabilities have markedly intensified. This trend suggests that addiction may soon emerge as a predominantly female issue. Therefore, it is crucial to utilize the insights gained from this research to identify at-risk women and to formulate effective strategies for primary prevention, treatment, and management.