WHAT SHOULD WOMEN KNOW ABOUT SUBSTANCE USE/ABUSE?
Alcohol and other drugs affect womens bodies in very specific ways. Women develop problems related to alcohol use within a shorter period of time. Women substance users are at increased risk for certain health concerns. For example, women smokers are more likely than men smokers to develop lung cancer. Women who use alcohol and other drugs may experience problems related to their reproductive systems. Substance use/abuse during pregnancy can result in miscarriage or serious harm to the developing fetus Women are twice as likely as men to receive mood-altering prescriptions for emotional problems from their physicians. Women are more likely than men to combine alcohol and prescription medications thus increasing their risk for negative health and social consequences. 40 to 80 per cent of women who enter treatment programs for alcohol and other drug problems report having experienced physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives. Women are more likely than men to be victims of
