(COVID) affected marginalized women

Sample Solution

  The current pandemic (COVID) has had significant and largely detrimental effects on marginalized women with substance abuse issues. This includes an increase in the psychological, economic, and social burdens that these women are already facing due to their gender and economic statuses.

Psychologically, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a sense of heightened anxiety among all individuals; however, this is particularly true for marginalized women with substance abuse issues who may be more vulnerable to mental health conditions such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For example, certain studies have found that “women with alcohol use disorders faced higher levels of distress than those without during the first wave of the pandemic” (Fernández et al., 2020). In addition to increased feelings of loneliness due to having less access to family members and friends for support during this time period, many marginalized women who struggle with addiction have also experienced disruption in accessing treatment services since most programs are now provided virtually or have greatly reduced their number of appointments available. Without proper resources assisting them from going through withdrawal or suppressing cravings for drugs/alcohol, these women are at greater risk for relapse. Therefore it is important for organizations like shelters providing housing or rehab centers offering counseling services to consider how they can better adjust their operations during this unique time period so that those in need can still get access to the essential care they require. In terms of economics and poverty, there has been a rapid decrease in job opportunities due to businesses shutting down and operating remotely which increases financial strain on marginalized families significantly especially if they were already suffering from instability prior. Women residing within low-income communities often rely on certain benefits such as welfare payments or assistance programs which are not sufficient enough when accounting for unexpected expenses associated with medical bills or rent payments; depending on location these could include costs related specifically towards COVID testing procedures as well which puts even further pressure on these households’ ability purchase food supplies let alone any other basic necessities such as toiletries or clothing items prescribed by doctors (Martínez et al., 2021). As a result targeted provisions must be put into place by public health officials so that lower income individuals do not feel financially trapped if circumstances arise where one member needs extensive medical attention – mothers should not feel forced into choosing between buying medication versus meals for her children when dealing with limited funds. Overall it is important that effective measures be taken so that marginalized women struggling with addiction do not become further isolated during this global crisis but instead receive adequate mental health treatment along with secure sources of finance support to avoid their lives becoming increasingly preoccupied by fear rather than just hope going forward. References: Fernández Mizea A., Santaballa Pérez J., López García C., Fructuoso Fernández C., Basabe Núñes Y.(2020)."The Impact Of Covid - 19 On Mental Health And Alcohol Use Disorders: A Cross - Sectional Study". Frontiers In Psychiatry 11(1254): 1–9 Martínez Sánchez D., Gallegos Hernández R., Cardona Zuleta P.(2021)."Poverty In Colombia During The Covid - 19 Pandemic". Cuadernos De Economía 42(117): 172–188