I. ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to investigate the lived experiences of women who are undergoing
substance abuse treatment. Specifically, substance misuse among Filipino women has risen
during the last decade. It is a phenomenon that affects the most vulnerable members of
Philippine society since it contradicts the Filipina's traditional role in domestic life as
daughters, wives, and mothers. This study was designed to be descriptive phenomenology. The
researchers used a purposive sampling technique. It is a non-probability sampling technique,
and the process of this depends on the judgment and understanding of the study's context. Three
(3) participants have been selected to rehab discharged patients or clients from CARE - Change
and Recovery Rehabilitation Treatment Center because they have expertise in the topic. Online
interviews have been used as a research instrument. An online interview is performed remotely
using a video, audio, or chat. The researchers used approved guide questions to gather data for
the study. Researchers provide the following questions for an interview to examine lived
experiences of women who underwent substance abuse treatment that caused them to be
substance abusers. This study has shown that this phenomenon starts with their unique life
history, maybe not all, but with the cases of the three (3) respondents. Common causes are
boredom, curiosity, jobless, and lifestyle. These causes significantly affect their lives and their
womanhood as substance abusers. Lack of support among family members and neglecting their
children are some effects of abusing substances, particularly drugs, and alcohol. However, with
the help of their family members, they entered a facility that showed a light in every dark
situation—accepting that they had sinned and correcting their mistakes not only for themselves
but for their family as well. Different opportunities, either for employment or with their
individual development, are opened after they have graduated from the facility. Four major
themes emerged from the data collected: 1. Boredom and the desire for stimulation that leads
to substance abuse; 2—shame and guilt associated with substance abuse and secrecy towards
family members; 3. Lived experiences of women while in the Rehabilitation and Treatment
Center or Facilities; and 4. Opportunities and Self-Development after the Treatment.