Over the centuries, drugs have been used for rituals, for pain relief, for social bonding, and to help people function day to day. When used properly, some drugs are not harmful. If abused, however mind-alerting drugs can pose serious health risks, cause dependency, and interfere with work and relationships. Women should be aware informed choices about using them and know when to seek help at the first signs of trouble.
Statistically, women are less likely than men to abuse drugs, but substance use among women is increasing at an alarming rate. Cigarette smoking, for example, has decreased overall but has increased among women aged 16-22, who are more likely than their male counterparts to smoke. Estimates indicate that of the 1.5 million Americans who abuse alcohol or are alcohol-dependent, 4.6 million are women. This means that roughly one third of alcoholics are women.
Women are prone to special problems linked with drug use. Although they may drink less than men, the health impact on women is greater. They are more subject to alcohol-related live disease; experience menstrual disorders associated with alcohol use, and are more likely to become victims of aggressive acts when under the influence of alcohol. Over twice as many as women as men are admitted to emergency rooms as a result of the overuse of tranquilizers. More than 80 percent of cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in women are associated with intravenous drug use. And the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs during pregnancy can cause serious harm to the fetus, especially in the first weeks of gestation, when a woman may not know she is pregnant.
Statistically, women are less likely than men to abuse drugs, but substance use among women is increasing at an alarming rate. Cigarette smoking, for example, has decreased overall but has increased among women aged 16-22, who are more likely than their male counterparts to smoke. Estimates indicate that of the 1.5 million Americans who abuse alcohol or are alcohol-dependent, 4.6 million are women. This means that roughly one third of alcoholics are women.
Women are prone to special problems linked with drug use. Although they may drink less than men, the health impact on women is greater. They are more subject to alcohol-related live disease; experience menstrual disorders associated with alcohol use, and are more likely to become victims of aggressive acts when under the influence of alcohol. Over twice as many as women as men are admitted to emergency rooms as a result of the overuse of tranquilizers. More than 80 percent of cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in women are associated with intravenous drug use. And the use of cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs during pregnancy can cause serious harm to the fetus, especially in the first weeks of gestation, when a woman may not know she is pregnant.
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