Power of Collaboration: ISSUP and GWN Highlight Critical Gaps in Women’s SUD Treatment

The Power of Collaboration project, a joint initiative between ISSUP and the Global Women's Network (GWN), explores critical areas in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD) for women. Through the collaboration between ISSUP, which commits to improving the effectiveness of the substance use treatment and recovery workforce, and the Global Women’s Network (GWN), which works to increase the availability of high-quality, gender-responsive treatment for women, the Power of Collaboration project has provided valuable insights into the challenges women face in accessing SUD treatment and the kinds of services that would improve outcomes. Together, both organizations have brought critical attention to the need for trauma-informed, gender-specific, and digital resources in treatment programs for women.

The project addresses three critical areas: improving access to treatment, integrating trauma-informed care, and enhancing digital resources for women seeking support. Its findings, along with three informative infographics, were published in Issue 2 of the 2024 Addictology Journal, providing valuable insights into existing gaps in care and offering actionable recommendations for improvement.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Access to Treatment for Women
  The first key area highlights the barriers women face in accessing SUD treatment globally. The data reveals that women in many regions, especially in rural or underserved areas, have limited access to the treatment services they need.
• Trauma-Informed Care
  The second area of focus presents the urgent need for trauma-informed care in SUD treatment. Many women with substance use disorders have experienced trauma, and the lack of specialized care for trauma survivors is a major gap in current treatment programs.
• Digital Resources for Treatment
  The third area examines the digital presence of treatment centres worldwide. It shows that many centres lack an online presence, which limits access to treatment.

Moving Forward

The findings from the Power of Collaboration project offer practical recommendations for enhancing substance use disorder treatment for women. The infographics and research stress the need for gender-responsive treatment, trauma-informed care, and increased digital resources to improve access and effectiveness. These insights contribute to the broader conversation about how to better serve women in the global SUD treatment landscape. On a final note, addressing these challenges requires ongoing collaboration with partners worldwide. As we move forward, it’s essential to implement these recommendations alongside other stakeholders in the field, ensuring that the necessary resources, training, and policies are in place to support the effective treatment and recovery of women with substance use disorders.

We would like to thank the Global Women's Network (GWN) for their continued partnership and for pushing this important agenda forward. Their commitment to advancing gender-responsive treatment has been invaluable in driving this work. For more information on GWN’s initiatives, please visit their website.