I Know What I'm Doing

Experiences of Women who Use Methamphetamine

Magda Frišaufová

• Publisher: Masarykova univerzita
• Year: 2016
• Print ISBN: 9788021083158
• eBook ISBN: 9788021083165
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Medical Theory, Practice & Reference

Women drug users have been in the focus of social science research for several decades. Quite a lot has been written about their specific situation, especially concerning their unequal gender position, higher stigmatization, or harder access to treatment or social services. On the other hand, not much attention has been given to their strategies of resistance, or dealing with problems they encounter in their everyday lives. In this book, the author provides a different view on their living situations. Through the narrative analysis of qualitative interviews and focus groups with seven women who have experience with long-term methamphetamine use, the author explores not only the challenges that they face, but also the strengths and agency they use to influence and take control of their lives, and negotiate their needs and interests with the world around them.

Table of contents

• CONTENTS
• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• INTRODUCTION
• 1. WHY GENDER MATTERS IN DRUG USE
• 2. THE INTERACTION OF AGENCY AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE
• 3. METHODOLOGY
• 4. AGENCY IN NARRATIVES OF WOMEN WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH DRUG USE
• 5. DISCUSSION
• 6. IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK
• CONCLUSION
• REFERENCES