Opium-reduction programmes, discourses of addiction and gender in Northwest Laos.(Statistical Data Included): An article from: SOJOURN: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia

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From the author: In Muang Sing district of northwest Laos, a community-based detoxification programme was recently launched among the highland Akha. The Akha grow almost all the poppy in the district and have high rates of opium addiction. Whereas the attitude of the Akha to opium is generally one of ambivalence, the detoxification programme portrays opium in unambiguously negative terms, with the consequent inculcation of an "addict identity" and a strong sense of shame among relapsed addicts. On the other hand, the programme has more positive consequences for women. Even though historically fewer women than men become addicts, women often bear the brunt of the burden. The detoxification programme gives women a voice against addiction, but this empowerment remains circumscribed within a patriarchal society.

Citation Details
Title: Opium-reduction programmes, discourses of addiction and gender in Northwest Laos.(Statistical Data Included)
Author: Paul T. Cohen
Publication:SOJOURN: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia (Refereed)
Date: April 1, 2002
Publisher: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS)
Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Page: 1(23)

Article Type: Statistical Data Included

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