Women and Substance Abuse: Health Considerations and Recommendations

There has been growing evidence in recent years of the importance of gender specific issues in the addiction field. This paper explores specific problems and including specific health consequences faced by women who drink or use drugs. We describe helpful screening tools that can be used in the primary care setting and offer an understanding of some of the barriers preventing women from seeking help. This article also provides guidance on the best pharmacotherapy and psychological interventions that can be used to help women recover from their addiction.