Clinical audit of women with substance use disorders: findings and implications

To examine the socio-demographic, clinical and psychosocial profiles of women seeking treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) in order to understand their treatment needs.

The psychiatric case records of 40 women with SUDs who sought consultation between the year 2012 and 2013 were analysed.

The mean age of the sample was 38 years (standard deviation, S.D = ± 7.24). Among these, 52.5% were married and 30% were separated or divorced. Mean age of onset of substance dependence was 28.68 years (S.D. = ± 7.02) with an average of 9.65 years (S.D = ± 7.69) of dependence. Alcohol dependence was present in 80% of the patients, followed by nicotine dependence in 54% of the patients. Co-morbid Axis I and Axis II disorders were present in 62.5% and 10% of the patients respectively. Childhood adverse experiences such as abuse and neglect were reported by 20% of the patients. The factors contributing to initiation and maintenance of substance use were marital discord and interpersonal conflicts (70%), influence of significant others (66%), death of a family members (10%) and other stressful life events (25%). Major consequences of substance use were substance-induced physical problems (62.5%) and interpersonal conflicts (40%). Data analysis indicated poor follow up and relapse rate of 50%.

Adverse life events and interpersonal conflicts are significant contributing factors to substance use among women. The study has implications for planning gender sensitive, multi-dimensional treatment programmes for women seeking treatment for SUDs in India.