In addition, if the issue of women and substance abuse is to be seen as a feminist issue, female substance abusers, treatment providers, and researchers all need to work together to challenge the sexist images and practices that oppress women. A first step is to recognize that the establishment of self-help groups can be a pleasurable, creative response for women drug abusers. Without this alternative, the field of substance abuse may remain dogmatic, obsessive, ineffective, and insensitive to the needs of female drug abusers. Recommendations for further research.