Efrat S Fridman
Lehman College, USA NYU Silver School of Social Work, USA
Keynote: Clin Psychiatry
Opioid use disorder is increasing in alarming rates for both men and women in the United States. Although studies show that men still exceed women in the prevalence of both heroin use and nonmedical prescription opioid use, as well as overdose deaths, the rate of increase of women's use may be exceeding that of men's. Group therapy has been associated with positive treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorders (OUDs) and continues to be the most common form of treatment for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). Around the world, the majority of women receive treatment in gendermixed groups; however, gender differences in OUDs suggest a need for women-specific treatment. Current research indicates that the proportion of women represented in substance abuse treatment facilities is lower than the population prevalence of these disorders in women relative to men, with reports concluding that women are less likely to enter opioid abuse treatment programs than men. This paper discusses the unique barriers women face when they attend treatment and presents a singlegender model for groups as a way to address women’s unique needs.
Efrat S Fridman is a Clinical Social Work Professional with 20 years of experience in clinical and administrative positions. She is specializing in female addiction, with an emphasis on drug-addicted and dual-diagnosed women and families. She is the Founder of the first single gender day center for addicted women, in Israel. She is an Adjunct Lecturer at Lehman College and at NYU-Silver School of Social Work, teaching addictions, policy, and gender studies.
E-mail: effiefrid@gmail.com
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