The role of gendered conceptions in treatment seeking for alcohol problems

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the inducements for treatment-seeking for alcohol problems in women and men. Specifically we wanted to identify what promoted or hindered treatment-seeking in women and men, respectively, and to what extent femininity and masculinity was reflected in the context of treatment seeking. Data was obtained from open interviews with five women and seven men within a month after their first entry into alcohol treatment. A content analysis was performed using gender as the sorting factor. Promoting factors for treatment seeking in men were characterized by belief in their own capability, and looking to the future; whereas the women placed importance on pressure from someone significant, and sharing the problem with others. Hindrances for both women and men were feelings of shame and the significant role alcohol had in their lives. The women perceived alcohol problems as incompatible with femininity, and this made them avoid talking openly about their problems, which hence hindered treatment seeking. These findings showed that the value of alcohol as a gendered symbol still exists, which could be perceptible in promoting and hindering factors for treatment seeking in women and men. These factors could be useful to consider by professionals both in the primary healthcare system and in the social services. Future research should address treatment seeking in relation to both cultural and gendered constructions and their influence on the perceptions and behaviour of women and men with alcohol problems.

General and Cancer Mortality in a Large Cohort of Italian Alcoholics

“…The main explanation for this phenomenon might be the pejorative social and moral connotation of alcoholism in women, with frequent feelings of shame and deep guilt that also account for the frequency of hidden and lonely alcohol intake (Limosin, 2002). Overall, there is greater social pressure for female drinking behavior in comparison with men (Jakobsson et al, 2008), and women have more problems to adapt to in everyday life than men (Bravo de Medina et al, 2008). In our 20-year clinical experience, we found that early symptoms in the course of mild alcoholic intoxication such as anxiety, irritability, or at contrary, euphoria and suppressant brakes loss are well tolerated by men, but at the same time, they represent an alarm signal for women and their families (Bardazzi et al, unpublished data).…”

Barriers and facilitators for alcohol treatment for women: Are there more or less for rural women?

“…A number of researchers have identified access and financial barriers as being a limiting factor in accessing formal treatment (Jakobsson, Hensing, & Spak, 2008;Miller & Tonigan, 1996). There is some research that suggests that distance and appointment wait times are related to treatment entry (Fortney, Booth, Blow, & Bunn, 1995a).…”

“…In the present descriptive study, it is unclear to what extent social stigma and an unwillingness to engage in self-help play in treatment seeking. Stigma and feelings of shame may lead the individuals to their deny drinking problem and shun treatment (Jakobsson, Hensing, & Spak, 2005;Jakobsson et al, 2008;Saunders, Zygowicz, & D'Angelo, 2006).…”

Thai men's experiences of alcohol addiction and treatment

“…‘Authentic’ masculinity is constructed in part through the sharing of drinking stories within homo-social groups, in which the body’s ability to tolerate alcohol is seen as unlimited (14, 15). Drinking ‘too little’, or not at all, is also connected to subordinate constructions of masculinity, suggesting ‘weakness’ (16–19). …”