Vulnerabilities and agencies of women who use and sell drugs in Bordeaux and Montréal

Background

Women who use drugsare in the minority in addiction treatment structures, and among those arrested for the drug use and drug sale by the police, as are socially includedpeople. Scientific research on drug use mainly focuses on a male and precarious audience. In fact, the practices and trajectories of socially included women who use and sell drugs are still unknown. This communication aims to fill this gap.

Methods

The results presented, from a sociology thesis, are based on 65 interviews carried out with socially included drug users, aged between 20 and 35, in Bordeaux (26 women, 12 men) and Montreal (19 women, 8 men).

Results

The men and women we met began using cannabis in adolescence, most of which they now use daily. A significant part of the sample experimented with other illicit substances in a festive context. Around half of the sample sells drugs, based on a use-resale or social supply model. The trajectories of women stand out from those of men due to the specific vulnerabilities to which they are subject, but also the specific agencies linked to their gender.

Women who use and sell drugs are discredited and considered incapable of violence, which generates risks of scams and intimidation; they are also sexualized, frequently harassed, and victims of sexual violence. They can, however, take advantage of their stigmatization, by projecting a reassuring and reliable image to build up a clientele and escape the police, or by exploiting their sexualization to obtain free or cheaper products. Several women thus claim to have gained a feeling of empowerment from their deviant trajectory.

Concerning social inclusion, several users report having experienced difficulties at school and with their families due to their consumption. Employees fear that their illicit practices will be revealed to their professional entourage and that this will result in sanctions. Hiding illicit practices can generate stress and fatigue among user resellers. However, being employed and studying encourages user-resellers to develop strategies for managing their consumption, and for some, the feeling of a “double life” provides a feeling of freedom and fulfillment.

Conclusions

Gender and social integration act as both factors of protection and vulnerability in the world of drugs. They must be taken into account in harm reduction strategies.