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Substance-Abuse Issues in Women

Issues surrounding substance abuse for women differ considerable from those of men. These differences include the physiological effects that drugs have on women as well as the social and societal context. By understanding these issues, both care providers and women who are seeking treatment can find the help that is best suited for the individual woman.

  1. Risk Factors

    • Substance-abuse risk factors among women include a history of childhood sexual abuse, having a partner who drinks and having a violent partner as well as being employed in a profession that is male-dominated. Although women are more represented in the workforce than they once were, many women strive to balance work and family responsibilities and turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with this stress. Women with a mental illness such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders are also more likely to abuse drugs. They may do so in an attempt to ease their symptoms.

    Gender Differences

    • According to Erik Jaffe in the April 2006 issue of "The Observer," predictors for substance abuse among women differ from those of men. For instance, women may face more physical consequences to substance abuse. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women suffer from more physical problems related to substance use, such as a higher incidence of alcohol-induced liver disease. Although historically men have had a higher prevalence of substance abuse, the rates for woman have been rising in recent years. Women who abuse substances while pregnant are also putting their fetus at risk of birth defects, and may need education about these risks.

    Treatment

    • In receiving treatment for substance abuse, women have specific needs, which need to be addressed. For instance, if a woman began drinking in order to deal with stress, due to a co-occurring mental disorder or because of past trauma, the treatment should address these issues and their connections to substance use. Similarly, women dealing with spousal abuse or sexual trauma benefit from women-only counseling groups and may require resources outside of the treatment facility, such as a battered-women's shelter.

    Barriers to Treatment

    • Women are often in the position of providing child care; therefore, many women are unable to attend treatment unless child care is provided. Since many women, especially single mothers, struggle financially, they may not attend treatment if it is too expensive. The stigma associated with substance abuse in women can also prevent them from seeking treatment. Women may feel guilt or shame in admitting they have a problem or in not being able to solve it on their own. They may also fear involvement by social service agencies and losing custody of their children. Care providers can counteract some of this stigma by providing accurate psychoeducation on the reasons for addiction, the type of help that is available and advocating for patients who are also mothers.

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