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Deanna L Mulvihill

RN PhD, TLI Foundation, USA

Title: Women, trauma and alcohol dependency: Connections and disconnections in alcohol treatment for women

Biography

Biography: Deanna L Mulvihill

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) are at greater risk for physical and
mental health problems including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol dependency. On their own IPV, PTSD and
alcohol dependency result in signifi cant personal, social and economic cost and the impact of all three may compound these costs.
Researchers have reported that women with these experiences are more diffi cult to treat; many do not access treatment and those who
do, frequently do not stay because of diffi culty maintaining helping relationships. However, these women’s perspective has not been
previously studied. Th e purpose of this study is to describe the experience of seeking help for alcohol dependency by women with
PTSD and a history of IPV in the context in which it occurs.
Methodology & Th eoretical Orientation: An intersubjective ethnographic study using hermeneutic dialogue was utilized during
participant observation, in-depth interviews and focus groups. An ecological framework was utilized to focus on the interaction
between the counselors and the staff to understand this relationships and the context in which it occurs.
Findings: Th e women in this study were very active help seekers. Th ey encountered many gaps in continuity of care including
discharge because of relapse. Although the treatment center was a warm, healing and spiritual place, the women left the center
without treatment for their trauma needs and many without any referral to address these outstanding issues.
Conclusion & Signifi cance: Women with alcohol dependence and PTSD with a history of IPV want help however the health and
social services do not always recognize their calls for help or their symptoms of distress. Recommendations are made for treatment
centers to become trauma-informed that would help this recognition.