Women and Substance Use

People use alcohol and other mood-altering drugs for many reasons. A person may use mood-altering substances because they are pleasurable, to relax and unwind, to feel more powerful in their lives, or to simply feel "high." The majority of people who use alcohol or other drugs never have problems associated with their use.

However, some people will develop a substance use problem. For women with an alcohol or other drug problem, it may be difficult for them to admit to anyone, even themselves, that they are in trouble. This is partly because people have negative stereotypes about women who have a problem with alcohol or drugs. Women who have a substance use problem often feel ashamed or guilty. These feelings make it harder to face the problem or ask for help. For a woman who is pregnant and/or a mother, the feelings of guilt and shame may be even greater. Sometimes women are afraid of losing their children or do not know what services are available.

Alcohol and other drug abuse can damage a woman's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Problems with relationships, with work or school, and with finances or the law, can arise as alcohol or drug use increases. To regain control over her alcohol or drug use, a woman may need outside help.

Every person is different - not everyone is affected by alcohol or drugs the same, nor does everyone who has a substance use problem have a similar life story. However, research has found the following:

• Women who drink alcohol or take drugs during pregnancy risk harming their unborn child.
• Substance use problems often get worse during a life crisis, such as divorce, the death of a loved one, or children leaving home.
• Women with substance use problems often have a history of physical or sexual abuse, or are currently in an abusive relationship.
• Women are prescribed mood-altering drugs more often than men and they use other drugs in combination with alcohol more often.
• Some women suffering with depression will use alcohol or other drugs in ways not prescribed in an attempt to feel better, but this can worsen the depression.
• Women entering treatment for a substance use problem are more likely to have attempted suicide than men.
• Women with a substance use problem also may experience eating disorders, agoraphobia, and other panic disorders.
• Women's dependence on alcohol often develops later in life than men, and they may experience more health problems as a result of their drinking.
• The same amount of alcohol affects a woman more than a man.
• Over time, too much alcohol can cause serious health problems such as damage to the liver, heart, stomach, and brain. Heavy drinking may also increase the risk of menstrual problems or some forms of cancer.

Women who want help for a substance use problem often face barriers that make it difficult for them to get to treatment services or to successfully complete treatment. For example:

• Women often have many family responsibilities, such as looking after other children.
• Some are single parents. As a group, mother-led families have the lowest incomes of Canadian families and they are often isolated without much support.
• Services do not always address the unique needs and issues that women face.
• Finding ways to get professional help can be confusing and overwhelming.
• Service providers sometimes seem judgmental and inflexible.

These barriers are not easy to overcome. They will need to be addressed by everyone working together to improve service access and effectiveness for women.

For more information, contact your local AADAC office, or call 1 (866) 33AADAC.