Women and Substance Abuse

All kinds of American women abuse drugs and alcohol. They may be rich or poor, young or old, urban or rural, professional or homemaker.

Addiction-related diseases kill four times as many American women as breast cancer, but it’s a health problem that rarely receives enough attention. This is critical, considering the impact it has on the woman and those around her.

“The truth is, when a woman has a substance-abuse problem, her whole family is affected because she’s often the key to family stability,” says Brenda J. Iliff. Iliff is director of clinical services at Hazelden’s Women’s Recovery Center in Center City, Minn.

Understanding the reasons behind women’s drug and alcohol problems can help you help yourself or a loved one start on the road to recovery.

The facts

Many women with alcohol and drug problems also suffer from mental health conditions often related to past physical or sexual abuse. These include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and post traumatic stress disorder. 

“While addiction isn’t caused by these issues, in some cases women turn to alcohol or drugs to numb themselves ... against the pain,” Iliff says. “Addiction isn’t the goal, but it is often the result due to continued use.”

Women also abuse drugs to relieve stress or boredom or to improve their mood. They may turn to drugs to reduce sexual inhibitions, increase confidence, or lose weight.

Some studies have found women also turn to drugs or heavy drinking after a life crisis, such as miscarriage, divorce, or unemployment.

The way out

Fortunately, with treatment, women can and do recover. Others find recovery through community organizations, faith-based programs, or 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

“Treatment helps stabilize women, making them feel less alone because they’re connected with a community of people dealing with the same challenges,” Iliff says. “They gain wisdom and strength and learn that although recovery is an ongoing process, it’s what they do today that counts.”