Drugs, Chemical Vulnerability, Women & Prostitution: What We’re Not Supposed to Know
Hasara KULATUNGA
Women in prostitution face heightened exposure to drugs and chemical vulnerability, which increase health risks and complicate access to care. Many times, prostitution is not a choice at all, but a survival method or a forced necessity. Primary care physicians often encounter these patients, making early identification and harm reduction crucial. Awareness of the intersection between substance use and sex work enables physicians to provide compassionate, effective care, improve health outcomes, and address broader public health challenges.The participants will increase their level of awareness and be able to recognize the unique health risks and chemical vulnerabilities faced by women involved in prostitution. They will learn to identify common patterns of substance use within this population and understand the broader social, psychological, and public health implications. Participants will also learn to use basic, nonjudgmental communication tools that support trauma-informed, patient-centered engagement.The workshop will employ an interactive format featuring brief interactive presentations and a roundtable discussion on the key topics using real-case examples, followed by a reflection and a Q&A session. 5 min — Introduction 30 min — Roundtable discussion on: Substance Use & Addiction in Women, Chemical Vulnerability, Violence, Exploitation & Survival 10 min — Key points for daily practice 15 min — Reflection / Q&AThe participants will develop awareness of the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by women involved in prostitution. They will improve their ability to recognize substance use and chemical vulnerabilities in this population. Physicians will be better equipped to provide individualized care and address broader social and public health factors, ultimately enhancing patient engagement and health outcomes.We live in a world where mobility, vulnerability, and limited safe work push many women into extreme survival methods. Addressing drug-related vulnerabilities in women involved in prostitution is essential for effective primary care. This training aims to open the eyes to the realities these women face, provide new context, and leave physicians with a heightened level of awareness that informs and improves their practice.
