Women and addiction - Research Paper Example

? Women and Addiction Shannon M. Archer Argosy This research was carried out as partial fulfillment towards the Research Methods course at Argosy University by Shannon Archer. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Shannon Archer, Department of Psychology, Argosy University, and Phoenix 2233 West Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021 Email: sarcher@argosy.edu. Women and Addiction Research Question: Does addiction work differently in men and women? If so, what are the mechanisms that lead to such differences? How does gender play a role in such differential addiction? Covington (2008) depicts an understanding of varied life experiences of women and the impact of living as in the male-based society. The author also discusses the way abuse increases the likelihood of addiction in women and thus, in this article is vital for this research study because it enables one to better understand women in addiction and varied treatment services. This article fits in this research because the author focused on the issues of addiction in women and offered preventive measures that were based on a holistic women centered approach, which also acknowledged their psychological needs. Therefore, the researcher will use this article to provide justification on the way addicted women who have been sexually abused by men undergo trauma and psychological torture. Grant, Jack, Fitzpatrick and Ernst (2011) discuss the issue of depression among women, which results due to addiction. The author attempted to explore the connection between depressive symptoms in women and self-silencing effects resulting poverty issuer, parenting burdens and addiction. They used a methodology of Addiction Severity Index for measuring the effect of addiction on 233 ethnically diverse women with low income who became involved in drug addiction. This study is significant for this research because it fits in the research question of the causes of addiction in women such as sexual abuse, family stress, and abusive marriages and among other related issues of addiction to women’s health. Greenfield et-al (2007) offers an analysis of diverse articles with respect to varied gender disparities in treatment entry, treatment choice, treatment retention and particular barriers to women in treatment. The research evidence revealed that women with substance misuse were likely to enter treatment than male drug users. This article is good for this study because it attempts to answer the research question about the way gender plays significant roles in differential addiction. Jack, Dobbins, Sword, Novotna, Brooks, Lipman and Niccols (2011) discuses the need for implementing evidence-based practices in treatment programs; this is through developing effective approaches to promote the transfer of knowledge from research into clinical practice. The author revealed that women were likely to undergo treatment and providing guidance was vital by evidence-informed decision-making. The article is good for research because it offers evidence informed; thus attempting to reveal effective prevention measures for controlling addiction in women. Liccardo (1997) examines the issue of substance use in both men and women; thus attempts to reveal in case women are less susceptible to substance use. Using panel data from the national longitudinal survey to determine if women are less susceptible to addiction than men, the author established that women are less likely to involve in drug abuse than men. This article is significant for the study because it attempts to reveal gender differential addiction; thus it can fit the research question on the way addiction works differently in men and women. Matheson (2008) offered various women’s issues that are results of substance use or addiction; thus these issues should be given special attention because of the roles women play in the society. The study revealed that women used substances as coping mechanisms; hence the need to offer preventative measures to help them overcome risks of addiction. This article fits the research study because it attempts to address the causes, risks and prevention of addiction in women, which are the major concerning areas of research. Mayet, Groshkova, Morgan, Maccormack and Strang (2008) discuss about changes in characteristics of women known as prenatal addictions, as well as, represents challenges of substance exposure during pregnancy (Mayet et.al, 2008, p. 490). A cross-sectional health record was conducted and the information that was gathered revealed the way pregnancy women were at risk of being affected by psychological disorders due to substance misuse. This article is good for the study because it aims to reveal the way addiction contributes to risk factors; thus offering preventive treatment measures. Nelson-Zlupko, Kauffman and Dore (1995) discuss the way chemically dependent women are different from chemically dependent men with respect to characteristics and experiences. They argue that women in addiction have a great deal in common with non-addicted women such as the history of over-responsibilities, poverty issues and parental problems. The result of the study indicated that chemically dependent women were at risk of being affected by disorders and dependent chemically women were at high risks of experiencing sociopathic behaviors and also involve in criminal acts. The article is good for this study because it attempts to address the research question on the way addiction works differently in men and women. Rao, Czuchry and Dansereau (2009) examine the differences in psychosocial changes between men and women, as well as, other factors, which affect chemical dependency including anxiety, history and recovery rates. The research used a descriptive method in order to examine changes in psychological functioning areas across treatment in order to find in case there were differences in results between men and women. This article is good for the study because it attempts to address the research question on the way gender plays significant roles in differential addiction. Unger (1988) discusses women dependent on alcohol and the adverse impacts of addiction on women and carried out research analysis on women who were chemical dependent; thus varied challenges that impacts these women were revealed. The challenges included lack of hope, they believe to be worse than men and developed rigid female behavior and were less educated. This article is significant for this study because it also attempts to offer effective prevention measures for controlling addiction in women. OUTLINE: I). INTRODUCTION Introduces the research topic and reveals the way women have nowadays become addicted to diverse chemical substances because of varied reasons such as poverty, stress and domestic issues. Introduces the statement of the research problem in the introduction part and reveals the way varied scholars have attempted to focus on women and addiction for the past decades. Thesis: Although addiction work differently in both men and women, gender plays significant roles in such differential addiction; thus women are exposed to higher risk factors than men due to addiction. Addiction works differently in men and women because of different mechanisms such as biological and psychological mechanism that tend to differ in regard to gender perspectives. Therefore, this tends to contribute to differences; thus gender plays significant roles in such differential addiction. II). RESEARCH QUESTIONS Does addiction work differently in men and women? If so what are the mechanisms that lead to such differences? And how does gender play a role in such differential addiction? Does addiction work differently in men and women? If so what are the mechanisms that lead to such differences? And how does gender play a role in such differential addiction? What causes addiction in women and what are the related issues of addiction to women’s health? What are the risk factors that result due to addiction and are there any effective prevention measures for controlling addiction in women? III). RESEARCH OBJECTIVES To find out in case addiction works differently across men and women and the way gender plays significant roles in such differential addiction. To find out the cause that contributes to addiction in women and the related issues to their health. To investigate the risk factors that result due to addiction and also offer effective prevention measures for controlling addiction in women. IV). IMPORTANCE/IMPLICATIONS OF THE RESEARCH This research will be significant because it will enable the reader to develop psychological understandings of the issues of women and addiction in the current society. This is because the research will attempt to find out the causes of such issues; thereby, providing effective prevention measures to reduce cases of addiction in women in the current society. The research will benefit the readers, especially women, because it will reveal to them the risk factors, which are associated with addiction. It will focus on the risk factors especially during their pregnancy; thus the variety of literature materials will be used to offer detailed information about women and addiction. The research will also inform the reader not only the risk factors but also raise awareness of the way gender play significant roles in differential addiction; thus offering preventive measures to addiction issues in women. V). RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS Addiction works differently in men and women because of different mechanisms such as biological and psychological mechanism that tend to differ in regard to gender perspectives. This tends to contribute to differences in physiological and mental abilities; thus gender plays significant roles in such differential addiction. Therefore, this research hypothesis will be: If gender plays role in differential addiction, then the psychological mechanisms of women will be highly affected than that of men. This hypothesis will be used by the researcher in testing whether the hypothesis is true or not. The null hypothesis will be; the emotions of women affect choices, when the emotions of women are not well tolerated, defense mechanisms are established, which can support substance addiction; thus there is no relationship between men and women in differential addiction. The researcher will test the null hypothesis in order to determine in case it is void or unsound. VI). LITERATURE REVIEW The literature review will provide an analysis on the way the previous researchers have focused on women and their addiction. It will incorporate varied literature materials in order to answer the research questions. Ways Addiction Works Differently In both Men and Women and the Way Gender Plays Significant Roles in Such Differential Addiction Many scholars have attempted to address the way gender plays vital roles in deferential addiction in the society (Zlupko, Kauffman & Dore (1995; Rao, Czuchry & Dansereau, 2009). Greenfield et- al. (2007) reveals how sexual category plays substantial roles in differential addiction. The article that will help the researcher to answer the above research sub-topic because it focuses on gender issues in addiction and varied treatment measures for women involving in addiction. Liccardo (1997) focuses on how gender plays significant roles in differential addiction. Causes That Contribute To Addiction in Women and the Related Issues to Their Health Grant, Jack, Fitzpatrick and Ernst (2011, p. 90) attempt to reveal the causes of addiction in women such as poverty and other aspects; thus contributing to depression or other health related issues to women. Jack et-al (2011, p. 11) also offer effective treatment measures for reducing addiction in women through employing evidence-based practices in treatment programs. Matheson (2008) also attempts to examine the causes and risk factors that may impact the health of women. The Risk Factors That Result Due To Addiction and Effective Prevention Measures for Controlling Addiction in Women Literature has attempted to address the issue of risk factors that arise due to addiction or misuse of substances (Mayet et-al, (2008; Unger, 1988). Covington (2008) attempts to address the effective prevention measures for controlling addiction in women and this is vital because it will enable the researcher to address the issue of risk factors such as depression issues. Unger (1988) will enable the researcher to address the preventive measures for controlling addiction in women. VII). RESEARCH DESIGN METHODS Sampling Method a). Simple Random Sampling The researcher will use this type of sampling technique to make statistical computation of each subset in the targeted population. This will involve assigning a probability number to the subset population which would be chosen randomly in order to determine the extent gender plays role in differential addiction. In this case, the researcher will assume that 10 women represents 1000 women in the study population; thus, the sample size will be drawn through generating a list of 50 random number by statistical computation technique. The sample will generalize the population because this will enable the researcher to save time and resources, and moreover, it will enable the researcher to cover a large number of the targeted population; thus enabling the researcher to accomplish the required objectives effectively. The researcher will use the sample size and this is whereby the researcher will approach the sample size of both women and men by using confidence intervals approach or by employing statistical significance. This is crucial because the use of confidence intervals will enable the researcher to choose a higher sample size in relation to the subset population; hence detecting the smallest correlation or effect among the variables. This is vital because correlation intervals will detect the correlation of the expected value in order to determine in case there is no effect on the observed variables. The population will put in the lists varied elements for inclusion and the sample will be chosen systematically; thus the researcher will select them randomly to avoid biasness. These participants should fall in the age group bracket of 18 to 65 years in order to be included in the research study. They should be of different gender including men and women who will be chosen randomly. Individual with mental or other disabilities are also welcomed in the participation. Those who have been diagnosed of substance misuse and drug use would also be included because they will offer rich information concerning the research study Ethical Concerns Ethical problems may arise during the research process especially when employing research techniques and research questions. One of the potential ethical issues that will arise is potential hazards to participants because this kind of research investigation may present potential harm to participants. The ethical issue may be violated especially when the researcher will attempt to investigate the effects of psychological or mental issues resulting from addiction. Another potential ethical issue is violating the value attached to individual privacy when carrying out investigation about women and addiction. Ethical problems can be addressed through protecting the rights, dignity and privacy of the participants, as well as, informed consent. The researcher should be careful when working with people with mental problems, disabilities, cultural values or beliefs, and other vulnerable populations; thus the researcher should ensure that the primary role to the participants are clear and privacy is highly maintained. Moreover, privacy issues can be addresses through raising awareness about the need for research purpose, the duration it will take and avoiding prejudice. The researcher will educate the population about the significant of this research and that any information collected will remain confidential or privacy will be maintained. He or she will also reveal to the participants of the anticipated research duration and nature of research design methods employed in conducting the research study in order to create awareness. Therefore, the researcher will address the confidentiality issue by promising the participants that the research will only be meant for education purposes; hence it will remain confidential. VIII). RESULTS This part will provide the research study findings about women and addiction. It will offer the findings to the research questions found after the study was conducted by using varied sampling techniques. It is anticipated that women substance users are more likely to develop psychological problems such as depression and mental disorders more than men. It will also include data analysis in order to determine the way gender plays significant roles in such differential addiction. The researcher will analyze data using descriptive analysis and statistical packages, as well as, reviewing data collected by sampling. This is vital because it will enable the researcher to achieve the stated objectives effectively. IX). RESEARCH LIMITATIONS One of the limitations to the sampling methodology is that there will be varied errors because the researcher has to chose a sub-set targeted population of study; hence contributing to variations and some errors. Moreover, the generalization of the population may pose a threat to internal and external validity, which may contribute to biasness of the results. X). CONCLUSION The conclusion will include a concise summary of the research study process. The researcher will restate the thesis and also offer a succinct summary of what has been covered in the research process about women and addiction. Therefore, from the research analysis, it is anticipated that women in addiction will experience trauma, psychological disorders and other related health issues such as depression; thus undergoing treatment due substance use more than men. References Covington, S. S. (November 01, 2008). Women and addiction: A Trauma-Informed Approach. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 40, 377-385. Retrieved on June 24, 2013 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/207971628?accountid=34899 Grant, T. M., Jack, D. C., Fitzpatrick, A. L., & Ernst, C. C. (January 01, 2011). Carrying the Burdens of Poverty, Parenting, and Addiction: Depression Symptoms and Self-Silencing Among Ethnically Diverse Women. Community Mental Health Journal, 47, 1, 90-98. http://search.proquest.com/business/docview/848233361/13EDBE977CE23C846B4/3?accountid=45049 Greenfield, S. F., et.al. (January 05, 2007). Substance Abuse Treatment Entry, Retention, And Outcome In Women: A Review Of The Literature. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 86, 1, 1-21. Retrieved on June 24, 2013 from http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?sid=9e9d5693-4934-4f01-8706-4fb332d2a416%40sessionmgr14&vid=1&hid=4&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=edselp&AN=S0376871606001773 Jack, S., Dobbins, M., Sword, W., Novotna, G., Brooks, S., Lipman, E., & Niccols, A. (2011). Evidence-informed Decision-Making By Professionals Working In Addiction Agencies Serving Women: A Descriptive Qualitative Study. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, And Policy, 629. doi:10.1186/1747-597X-6-29. Retrieved on June 24, 2013 from http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?sid=7271d240-e5e7-440f-907a-25455f1e83ff%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&hid=4&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=cmedm&AN=22059528 Liccardo, P. R. (January 01, 1997). Women and substance use: Are Women Less Susceptible To Addiction?. The American Economic Review, 87, 2, 454-459. Retrieved on June 24, 2013 from http://search.proquest.com/business/docview/233049826/13EDBCE203B1E0C1E54/17?accountid=45049 Mayet, S., Groshkova, T., Morgan, L., Maccormack, T., & Strang, J. (2008). Drugs, Alcohol And Pregnant Women—Changing Characteristics Of Women Engaging With A Specialist Perinatal Outreach Addictions Service. Drug & Alcohol Review, 27(5), 490-496. doi:10.1080/09595230802245238. Retrieved on June 24, 2013 from http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=75b9bb06-d3c9-41a9-b37e-f0af20e9fe24%40sessionmgr104&vid=2&hid=107 Matheson, J. L. (2008). Women's Issues With Substance Use, Misuse, and Addictions: One Perspective. Substance Use & Misuse, 43(8/9), 1274-1276. doi:10.1080/10826080802215163. Retrieved on June 24, 2013 from http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?sid=c6d3a22e-b12b-4e26-b45e-16974f2a5ab8%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&hid=4&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=aph&AN=33263295 Nelson-Zlupko, L., Kauffman, E., & Dore, M. M. (1995). Gender Differences In Drug Addiction And Treatment: Implications For Social Work Intervention With Substance-Abusing Women. Social Work, 40(1), 45-54. Retrieved on June 24, 2013 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/215266882?accountid=34899 Rao, S. R., PhD., Czuchry, M., & Dansereau, D. F., PhD. (2009). Gender Differences In Psychosocial Functioning Across Substance Abuse Treatment Dagger. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 41(3), 267-73. Retrieved from on June 24, 2013 http://search.proquest.com/docview/207973039?accountid=34899 Unger, K. B. (January 01, 1988). Chemical Dependency In Women. Meeting The Challenges Of Accurate Diagnosis And Effective Treatment. The Western Journal of Medicine, 149, 6, 746-50. Retrieved from on June 24, 2013 http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?sid=e6a6705d-7114-45aa-81d0-afb0b131dba3%40sessionmgr10&vid=1&hid=4&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=cmedm&AN=3074575 Read More