At a recent drug policy meeting in Vienna, Colonel Edward Croft from Antigua and Barbuda brought critical attention to the urgent issue of substance use disorders among women.

Speaking at a session focused on women’s treatment needs, he expressed concern over the insufficient response from countries across the Americas, which he attributed to societal denial and a lack of political commitment.

Croft highlighted alarming statistics indicating that only one in 18 women with substance use disorders receives help, compared to one in seven men.

This stark disparity underscores the need for immediate action to improve treatment access for women.

He pointed to cultural stigmas and barriers that deter women from seeking assistance, often leading to delayed interventions compared to their male counterparts.

“The attitudes of healthcare providers can significantly impact access to care,” Croft emphasized, urging for better training and understanding among professionals.

While progress has been made in the Caribbean, with an increase in dedicated treatment facilities for women, Croft insisted that further improvements are necessary to meet the unique challenges faced by this population.

In closing, Croft reiterated the profound interconnectedness of women’s health with the overall well-being of families and communities.

He called for collective action among nations to effectively tackle these challenges and ensure better treatment access for women suffering from substance use disorders.