Women, Girls, and Addiction: Celebrating the Feminine in Counseling Treatment and Recovery

In the past, the male experience with addiction has been the sole focus of research into appropriate interventions and treatment. These methods were generalized and applied to women and girls, ignoring the unique biological, psychological, and sociological factors that influence them. This book, the first dedicated exclusively to women and girls and the first publication of any kind to provide a feminist approach to understanding the experience of addiction from the female perspective, addresses and expands this issue. The authors discuss specific research and practice-based treatment and recovery interventions and closely examine the barriers and strengths of women experiencing addiction. In addition to substance abuse, process addictions including behaviors such as gambling and sexual activity are also considered.

Cynthia A. Briggs, PhD, LPC, NCC, DCC is Assistant Professor in the Counselor Education Department of Winona State University. Jennifer L. Pepperell, PhD, NCC, LPC, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Student Personnel at Minnesota State University, Mankato.