Women and Health Disparities: Implications for Treating Hispanic Women in Rural and Urban Communities

摘要

Hispanic women with alcohol and other drug disorders present special needs and face unique challenges related to cultural norms and values particularly when seeking treatment. In particular, Hispanic women, with substance use disorders, may encounter culturally imposed barriers which may limit their ability to access and benefit from treatment. The author proposes a systemic approach to treating Hispanic women embedded within a traditional and rigidly patriarchal cultural context. Specifically, this paper proposes an adaptation of Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training (CRAFT), an evidence-based, efficacious treatment, which provides a family-oriented, approach to treating women with alcohol and other substance use disorders. CRAFT principles work with “concerned significant others” (CSOs) to aid a family member to seek treatment. By adapting CRAFT in ways that are syntonic with Hispanic culture, clinicians may be able to work with women who may otherwise not seek or enter treatment for substance use disorders. Ways to improve services for women are discussed. This article provides clinically oriented guidelines and suggestions for treating disenfranchised women who may otherwise go untreated. Lastly, the implications for treatment of Hispanic women are discussed in terms of adapting CRAFT as interventions that may help prevent serious health consequences faced by Hispanic women who develop substance use disorders.