Recovery: An Alternative to Sterilization of Chemically Dependent Women

This paper addresses a theoretically and substantively important problem—the efforts of chemically dependent women to recover from substance abuse. This ethnographic study of one treatment program in a Northeastern city provides insight into the challenges that are not often examined relative to the cost chemically dependent women pay for sobriety and recovery in order to be reunited with their children. Through this study, recovery is a viable alternative to sterilization. Chemically dependent women can be helped to become more functional with appropriate interventions and adequate resources. The yearning to regain custody of their children becomes the deep driving force for recovery. Emergent themes revealed through the study will include discussion of women's health, intervention programs, sexuality, and spirituality.