Thea's Story
If I could say anything to someone who was in a similar situation, I would say speak to someone, make them listen.
14 Oct 2020
Jessica Southgate, CEO of Agenda, the alliance for women and girls at risk, says:
“It is alarming that the upward trend in drug-related deaths among women shows no sign of stopping.
“Women’s use of drugs is different to men – men often get intro drugs with their friends while women are more likely to be introduced through partners. Women often turn to drugs to cope with the impact of trauma and abuse.
“Women can find it more difficult to get help for their addiction. Too often drug services are dominated by men, some of whom they may know, and these can feel uncomfortable and even dangerous places for women. Women who are mothers may also worry about seeking help for fear their children may be taken away.
“This can result in women taking longer to get the support they need, by which time their use of drugs may have escalated.
“Now with existing services overstretched it is harder and harder for women and girls to get the right type of support, or any support at all.
“We need to see urgent investment in drug services specifically set up for women and girls. These must be safe places that understand the reasons women end up turning to drugs in the first place, which often includes experiences of trauma, and respond to their needs in an appropriate way.”