Here’s why:

• Women use substances differently than men, and can become addicted while using smaller amounts of certain drugs for less time.

• Sex hormones can make women more sensitive than men to the effects of some drugs. Women may have more drug cravings and may be more likely to relapse after treatment.

• Women who use drugs may also experience more physical effects on their heart and blood vessels.

• Brain changes in women who use drugs can be different from those in men.

• Women may be more likely to go to the emergency room or die from an overdose or other effects of certain substances.

Advertisement

• Women who are victims of domestic violence are at increased risk of substance use.

• Divorce, loss of child custody, or the death of a partner or child can trigger women’s substance use or other mental health disorders.

• Women who use certain substances may be more likely to have panic attacks, anxiety or depression.

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

filed under: