Trauma and Substance Use Disorder: Breaking the Cycle in Women

Abstract

Trauma and substance use disorder present a complex and intertwined challenge, particularly affecting women who experience unique gender-specific barriers to recovery. Understanding how substance use functions as a coping mechanism for the effects of trauma is imperative to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Barriers to recovery in women with trauma and substance use disorder include criminalization of substance use, gender-specific stigma toward substance use, and physiological effects of trauma on coping and resilience. Breaking the cycle of trauma and substance use disorder in women requires a holistic, multifaceted approach that underscores eliminating stigma, promoting resilience, and increasing supportive community.