Female Addiction
Female addiction is rampant in Western societies but it is often disguised by the role women play in the western world's relatively affluent culture. For example, childcare workers supplement the maternal function in affluent classes. Nannies can often disguise their mother's dysfunction. Often female addiction is recognized too late and only after both mother and child have experienced significant trauma.
Sexual issues arising in the context of male dominant abusive relationships complicate female addiction. Female addiction and accompanying physical and sexual abuse often go undetected. Addicted mothers are often under the scrutiny of authoritarian and male dominated social and legal structures, such as courts that mandate that children be removed from the care of their mother simply because of their addiction.
It is often very helpful for children to remain with their mothers who are participating in a residential drug and alcohol treatment program. Therefore, the Tekuma approach includes child care workers, educational programs, family counseling and appropriate physical accommodations. Women have the opportunity to heal in a protected non-male dominated environment. |
