Women and Drug Abuse

Illegal drug use by women in this country is a much bigger problem than many of us would like to acknowledge. So many of the women that I see have gynecologic problems that they either have neglected or have allowed to become complicated because of their illegal drug use. Women who have problems with drugs need to know that they are not alone and that help is out there.

The facts

Almost half of women between the ages of 15 and 44 have used illegal drugs at least once in their life. Just in the past year, 9 million women in the United States have used illegal drugs. Of those 9 million, nearly 2 million used cocaine in the past year, and more than 6 million used marijuana. Another 3.7 million have taken prescription drugs for recreational use. The majority of these women are using more than one drug.
Women who use drugs often incur other serious health problems, sexually transmitted infections, and mental health problems like depression. Women using drugs also risk infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. HIV can be spread through unsafe sexual contact and by sharing dirty needles. Seventy percent of AIDS cases among women are related to illegal drug use.

Pregnancy and illegal drug use

Illegal drug use during pregnancy presents serious health risks, not only to the mother but also to the unborn child. Drug use during pregnancy presents grave risks to the baby, including:

• HIV infection
• prematurity
• low birth weight
• sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• small head size
• stunted growth
• poor motor skills
• behavioral problems

Getting help

Studies show that more than 4 million women are in need of treatment for drug abuse. If you have a drug problem, a strong support system can be key in seeking out and finding the help that you need. Please try, and continue to try, to reach out to family and friends. You will have to admit that you have a problem and that you need help, but their help might save your life.

A toll-free number for help

Talk to your healthcare provider about finding treatment options that meet your needs. You can also call the toll-free telephone number of the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Service: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
When you call this toll-free number, a recorded message (in English or Spanish) will give you the following options:

• to speak to a representative concerning substance abuse treatment, or to request printed material on alcohol or drugs
• to get referral information about local substance abuse treatment resources in your state

Using the Internet to locate a treatment facility near you

• An online searchable directory of alcohol and drug abuse programs located around the country.
• An online searchable directory of mental health treatment programs located around the country.

You will need the continued support of those around you to succeed in staying off drugs and recovering from your addiction. Keep the lines of communication open with your family, friends, and healthcare provider. You can get into recovery and live a better life.