Holly Weiss

Date Approved

6-15-2015

Embargo Period

3-3-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Miller, Matthew

Subject(s)

Substance abuse--Treatment; Women

Disciplines

Psychiatric and Mental Health

Abstract

It is evident in the media, from news reports to published research, that substance use is a serious and extensive problem (SAMHSA, 2012). The problem with drug use is not a new issue, but with a changing society the substance abuse issue is changing as well. With substance abuse at its highest in about ten years, it would be expected that treatment admissions would be at the highest levels as well, yet the numbers have remained constant (SAHMSA, 2012). The changing society has helped foster increased drug use, but it has also assisted in developing new difficulties that those affected must face in order to get help. Currently, many barriers to treatment are faced by individuals (Green, 2006). These barriers included childcare, home responsibility, employment and negative social stigma. The results of these barriers are that they are unable to get the treatment for substance abuse that they need. This study seeks to develop an understanding of which identified barriers are the most serious and detrimental to someone seeking treatment, specifically women. T-Tests and Regression Analyses indicate that women reported higher levels of responsibility, as predicted, with both genders reporting the most frequent responsibilities. Contrary to the study's hypothesis, the most reported family responsibility was not childcare; implications for the findings and directions for future research are discussed.

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