Sex Trafficking: Exploring Agency

Research: Drugs

The reality of sex trafficking is a harsh one with much collateral damage to the victim’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The development of alcohol and drug addiction is common (Sallmann 2010; Williamson et al. 2008; Zimmerman et al. 2011). Substances play a unique role within the context of sex trafficking as they may make the situation easier to cope with or become the only escape available. Addiction carries its own stigma, as addicts are engaging in illegal behavior to obtain drugs and are often ashamed of their dependence upon substances. Once the victim is addicted to drugs, then she is even more dependent upon sex trafficking or the trafficker, as he or she may control the supply or access to the means to obtain drugs. Thus, the vicious cycle of addiction is created and perpetuated.

Works Cited

Sallmann, J. (2010). “Going hand-in-hand’: connections between women’s prostitution and substance use. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 10(2), 115–138.

Williamson, E., Dutch, N., & Clawson, H.C. (2008). Evidence-based mental health treatment for victims of human trafficking. National symposium on the health needs of human trafficking victims: postsymposium brief. Washington, DC: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Zimmerman, C., Hossain,M.,&Watts, C. (2011). Human trafficking and health: a conceptual model to inform policy, intervention and research. Social Science & Medicine, 73, 327–335.

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