Trajectory of women in treatment for substance-abuse who have experienced prostitution
The problem of women’s substance abuse and prostitution is twofold, extremely complex, and alarming. These women are at greater risk of becoming victims of violence and of becoming infected with HIV or another infection that can be sexually transmitted or transmitted by blood. Even though they tend to end up in a state of psychosocial crisis on a regular basis, they run into more obstacles preventing them from accessing appropriate treatment than other women who abuse substances. Purpose. This research aims to explore women’s life experiences and their subjective point of view on the course of their substance abuse and prostitution, using their life stories, and including their perceptions on the interrelation between these two issues and their implications in their recovery efforts. Method. As part of a broader research project, 21 substance-abusing women, in treatment and presenting severe social maladjustment problems, were interviewed. This life-story type of interview was conducted 5 to 8 years following the reference treatment episode. A qualitative thematic analysis of the verbatim interviews was performed using the QSR NUD*IST software program. Results. Among the 21 participants interviewed, the results focus more specifically on the life stories of the 6 women who have a history of prostitution as well as substance abuse. Three trajectories have been identified: prostitution as a last resort to support substance abuse in the context of a course of early delinquency ; prostitution as a profession, leading to a deviant lifestyle ; and prostitution as a temporary and episodic phase. Observations regarding the experiences of these women pertaining to motherhood and services are highlighted. Clinical implications of the results are discussed.