‘Better safe than sorry’: Women’s stories of sex and intimate relationships on the path out of drug abuse

This article focuses on the role of sexuality and intimate relationships during women’s exit processes from drug abuse. Drawing from qualitative interviews with Swedish women the article explores how their sexual practice is played out both during drug use and in the new drug-free life situation. Th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sexualities 2017-03, Vol.20 (3), p.324-343
Main Authors: Skårner, Anette, Månsson, Sven-Axel, Svensson, Bengt
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Body image
Drug abuse
exit processes
female sexuality
Females
Gender identity
Gender roles
Life transitions
Sexual behavior
sexual desire
Sexuality
Social Work
Socialt arbete
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Summary:This article focuses on the role of sexuality and intimate relationships during women’s exit processes from drug abuse. Drawing from qualitative interviews with Swedish women the article explores how their sexual practice is played out both during drug use and in the new drug-free life situation. The conflictual transition process evolves around the individual’s attempts to adapt to various sexual scripts made available to them. An element of shame regarding past sexual experiences is enforced by a strong desire to create a new identity as ‘ordinary’. The safest option then is to abstain from sex even if it may lead to frustration and longing. To some, toning down sexuality is a welcome respite, to others a meaningless wait. Why does the beautiful, lovely sexuality never come?
ISSN:1363-4607
1461-7382
1461-7382
DOI:10.1177/1363460716665782