Abstract
The study aims to identify factors which contribute to the prevalence of alcoholism and drug addiction among sexually abused women in an ultra-conservative society. A qualitative research design is used in conjunction with interviews from women and physicians, categories which included both psychiatrists and sexologists, across six districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The phenomena of drug addiction and alcoholism were more pronounced in victims working for the commercial sex sector. The findings suggest Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) as a driving factor of alcoholism and drug abuse, which in turn cascades into secondary and tertiary levels of trauma. Sexual victimization and re-victimization, familial rejection, stigmatisation and social degradation were contributing factors to relentless stress. Drugs in vogue among victims were Valium-two (Diazepam) and Lexotanil that contained Bromazepam. Hashish and alcohol were consumed sparingly by victims, while the use of cocaine and heroin was absent due to severe masculine perceptions and addiction. The study contributes to a better understanding of a socially-excluded, economically-disadvantaged and stigmatised group by taking a pro-feminist stance to advocate for the rights of victims.
Highlights
A startling report recently published by the World Economic Forum in regard to a Global Gender Gap for the year 2020 ranked Pakistan at 151st among a total of 153 countries (WEF, 2020)
The phenomenon of drug addiction is common in patients suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), sexually abused women
In the ultra-conservative societal system of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, the study reveals the prevalence of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its associated ripple effects in the form of primary, secondary and tertiary levels of trauma among victims
Summary
A startling report recently published by the World Economic Forum in regard to a Global Gender Gap for the year 2020 ranked Pakistan at 151st among a total of 153 countries (WEF, 2020). As a consequence of securing immediate relief from trauma- related stress, the relapsing qualities of substance abuse and drugs create a double whammy for victims in the form of psychological and physical abnormalities (Moal & Koob, 2006). Those researchers contend that dysphoria-affected people mostly consume drugs such as heroin, cocaine and alcohol. The preceding discussion denotes a high level of correlation between relapsing behaviours of drug abuse and post- trauma disorders which operate in a recursive or cyclical manner This regressive behaviour on the part of addicted people impacts their physical and psychological states, and the quality of their relationships. The urge to secure temporary relief or pleasure becomes impending stress, due to the recursive nature of behaviours coupled with a feeling of regret (Koob, 2004; Koob & LeMoal, 2005a; Koob & LeMoal, 2005b)
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