Journal of Iranian Social Studies

Abstract Due to the higher frequency of addicted men compared to women, drug usage and addiction has been considered as a male phenomenon in the most societies. Thus, gender differences are neglected in this field. The present study aims to analyze the upstream documents and general plans and policies of the field of drug consumption, in order to attract the attentions to gender sensitivity.
Using thematic analysis techniques, this research is qualitative and examines policy documents in the field of narcotics and addiction from the years 2006 to 2019,
The results showed that as the proportion of female addiction and drug use and the sensitivity of the society towards gender equality has been increasing, gender awareness and sensitivity in policy documents of drug use and addiction has grown up. Meanwhile, policy documents has not been sensitive enough with regard to gender distinctions and in most of them gender differences are almost neglected.
As a result, women’s characteristics and distinctions have not been considered in the programs and projects planned to face, control and reduce the harms of addiction and to treat the female addicts. Thus, these policy documents themselves are an obstacle for a realistic confrontation with women addiction. Therefore, for a better performance of drug use and addiction policies and programs, it is necessary that these policies and programs be sensitive enough to gender differences. It is also required that special programs planned and performed for controlling and treating women’s drug use and addiction.
 

Abstract In this article, the conditions, interactions, consequences, and activities carried out on women's addiction in the province of Alborz have been understood from the view point of the officials of the Alborz. The method is qualitative and in the process of research, grounded theory has been used. The data were collected using the deep interview technique method. According to theoretical sampling method and theoretical saturation criterion, 19 officials from the Alborz province participated in the study. The results of categorization indicate 10 major categories. Social learning and coping pressure, family tension, weakness of control system, lack of support after addiction ceasing, treatment centers for cured people, awareness and education for preventing addiction, culture of various institutions, healing centers in the Alborz province, NGOs, and increasing prevalence of women addiction were the major categories. The core category was "Increasing trend of women addiction due to structural pressure and inconsistencies of organizations".