Ellen Tuchman on the Realities Faced by Women Who Inject Drugs
Women transition from the non-injecting drug use to injecting for economic reasons.
What challenges do women who inject drugs face that their male counterparts might not? In this episode of Harm Reduction Radio - HAMS, Ellen Tuchman, Ph.D., from NYU's Silver School of Social Work, dives into her research focusing on female injection drug users. She sheds light on the distinct issues women encounter, such as the dynamics of self vs. partner injection and the heightened risks linked to sharing equipment.
Tuchman also explores why many women transition from non-injecting to injecting drug use, often driven by economic pressures. The episode doesn't just highlight problems but also offers solutions through peer-driven strategies to debunk myths about injecting drug use. Tuchman discusses the gender differences in substance abuse treatment and emphasizes the importance of harm reduction approaches tailored specifically for women.
If you're curious about the unique experiences of female drug injectors and the innovative strategies to support them, this episode is a must-listen.