CTN webinar: The criminal justice system and substance use in women.

Approximately 40% of participants enrolled in CTN studies are women. Yet, women face unique issues when it comes to getting help with substance use disorder. It can be especially difficult for women to receive assistance for substance use disorder during or after pregnancy and when navigating the criminal justice system due to social stigma, legal issues, or other barriers.

The CTN prioritizes enrollment of women and minorities in research studies and recognizes the issues related to their participation. Accordingly, this 60-minute web seminar will consider the unique challenges that women face in the criminal justice system while struggling with substance use disorder. This will help research teams have a better understanding of the experience of women, including those that are pregnant and in the criminal justice system, and help researchers manage study retention and follow-up more effectively.

Presenters: Ank Nijhawan, MD, MPH (UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX), Jaimie Meyer, MD, MS, FACP (Yale University, New Haven, CT), Mishka Terplan, MD, MPH, FACOG, DFASAM (Friends Research Institute, Baltimore, MD)

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the background and treatment of women with substance use in the criminal justice system.
2. Discuss unique challenges of women in the criminal justice system, including considerations for pregnant women.
3. Consider how this impacts research participation for women who use substances and pregnant women who use substances.

Download slides.