Immigrant and native-born female heroin addicts in Israel

There are an estimated 25,000 heroin addicts in Israel and nearly one out of every five is a woman. Also, about one fourth of the addict population immigrated to Israel from the former Soviet Union (mostly from Russia and the Ukraine) since 1989. In this study, native born and immigrant female addicts were interviewed to develop an understanding of their background characteristics, patterns of drug use, and attitudes based on group status. Results show that the two groups of women are similar in many respects; however, differences do exist. Russian-speaking women tend to be better educated and have a greater concern about their personal health and maintaining custody of their children. Additionally, immigrant women are more inclined to use heroin and other substances while receiving treatment and are more likely to have a father who abuses alcohol. Discussion is given to the study findings as well as issues relevant to the formation of policy regarding services to female addicts in the country.