Women are less likely to seek help

Experts believe women-only drug support centres are the most successful at helping females beat addiction.

There are fewer than 30 in Scotland but some can take no more than 10 women.

The team leader of the Willow Service in Edinburgh, Colette Wormleighton, said: “Evidence suggests that offering women support services of their own leads to a more successful recovery.

“Some of the women have been victims of sexual abuse from male partners and need to recover in women-only centres.

“There have been a number of reports of how the criminal justice system has not got it right for women.

“Women are less likely to seek help because of the shame and guilt they feel for addiction.”

The Willow offers care to women who are referred to them by the criminal justice system.

Around 84% of them use substances.

Michael Trail, unit manager at Jericho House in Greenock, said: “We have separate residential houses for men and women.

“It’s vital that women are encouraged to seek treatment and support from places where they feel safe.

“Many have moved on from drug addiction to full-time jobs.

“Some have come through the courts, but others self-referred and GP referrals.”

Support workers say the reasons multiple factors are fuelling the rising risk to woman from drugs and urged the government to fund more research into the causes and what can be done to ease the dangers.

They fear the different kind of help and support needed by women has not yet been properly recognised.