'You can't fix this in six months': The intersectionality of women's substance use in the Irish context

The aim of this research was to explore the experiences and support, and intervention needs of women who are dealing with multiple issues, including problem substance use, with a view to gaining an in-depth understanding of women’s life experiences, substance use trajectories and how these relate to factors such as motherhood, poverty, social exclusion, residency status, domestic violence, transactional sex, homelessness and incarceration. The objectives of the research were to: Explore the lived experiences of women with substance use and intersectional aspects, including their engagement with services. Define the unique gendered support needs and service pathways for women. Inform future Irish drug policy and service pathways. The study was funded under the Irish Research Council New Foundations programme that supports academic and non-governmental organisations (NGO) partnerships in order to address critical issues emerging within the Irish context.