What is Substance Abuse?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines substance abuse
as a person continuing to use drugs or alcohol despite experiencing negative
consequences. Women are just as likely to develop a substance abuse disorder as
men, which includes recreational or illicit drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol,
and nicotine use. However, substance abuse can look different in women and have
different causes.
Mental Health Conditions
Women are often more likely to suffer from mental health
conditions like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating
disorders. For many women, drugs and alcohol can be a way to escape stress and
manage negative emotions. Unfortunately, many drugs and alcohol can interact
with medications for mental health conditions, worsening symptoms.
Negative Life Events
When negative life events like divorce, death of a partner
or child, or loss of child custody occur, women can be more vulnerable to
developing substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Intimate Partner Abuse
Some studies show that more than 1 in 3 women have
experienced physical violence by their intimate partner. Along with a higher
risk of mental health conditions and obesity, it increases the risk of
substance abuse in victims.
Why is Preventing Substance Abuse Important?
There are some key differences when it comes to substance abuse in men and women. Although men may be more likely to overdose, women may be more likely to relapse and give in to cravings during the recovery process. This can be dangerous to not only women’s health, but to the health of any children they may plan on having. Additionally, women may be less likely to seek help for dependence on certain substances than men because of various factors. This means that prevention is one of the best ways to address substance abuse.
What Steps Can I Take?
If you feel like you are dependent on any substance like alcohol, nicotine, recreational drugs, or prescription drugs, it’s extremely important to speak with your gynecologist. A medical professional can recommend treatment options and direct you towards the right resources to help reduce your dependence and ensure you remain healthy and risk averse. Our expert team can provide a judgement-free environment to ensure you get the care you need for the long term during an appointment.
Schedule an Appointment
Substance abuse treatment begins with taking small steps. To meet with our compassionate team and discuss your options, contact our New York City office by calling or filling out our online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the forms of drug abuse?
Drug misuse can take many forms, including:nn· Prescription drug misuse: Taking medication in a way not intended by a doctor, such as using higher doses, continuing a medication after it’s no longer necessary or taking someone else’s medication.nn· Use of illegal drugs: Using substances like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine for their psychoactive effects.nn· Over-the-counter medication misuse: Misusing medications like cough syrup or sleep aids for their sedative or euphoric effects.nn· Polydrug misuse: Combining multiple substances, which increases health risks significantly.
What parts of the brain are changed by drug use?
Drug use can affect many areas of the brain, including the brain stem, limbic cortex, and cerebral cortex.
What to do when you find out your kid is doing drugs?
Stay calm and approach the situation with care. Seek help from a healthcare provider, counselor, or addiction specialist. Early intervention is key. Encourage open communication and consider family therapy or support groups for additional guidance.
Which drug has the highest dependence potential?
While several substances are highly addictive, opioids are considered to have one of the highest dependence potentials. They affect the brain’s reward system quickly and powerfully, leading to both physical and psychological dependence. Other high-risk substances include nicotine, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
How do drugs affect you emotionally?
Addiction commonly causes emotional issues including depression and anxiety. Most people will also face difficulty controlling their emotions while using drugs.
How do drugs affect you intellectually?
Long-term drug use can cause mental health issues including depression, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, and hallucinations. A variety of drugs can cause these and other issues including cocaine, ketamine, LSD, marijuana, MDMA, methamphetamine, or abusive of prescription drugs.
How do drugs affect the body?
Drugs can alter the body’s normal functions by affecting the brain, heart, liver, and other organs. Depending on the type of drug, they may cause mood changes, slowed or increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, impaired judgment, or changes in behavior. Over time, drug use can lead to serious health issues, including addiction, organ damage, and mental health disorders.
What defines drug abuse?
Drug abuse can be defined as chronic and compulsive seeking and use of drugs despite harmful consequences. Drug abuse or addiction is a complex psychiatric disease.
What is the difference between substance abuse and substance use disorder?
Substance misuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs, usually on a less consistent basis.nnSubstance misuse disorder is a medical condition characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. It often includes tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and difficulty controlling use. It is a diagnosable, treatable condition.
What are the social effects of drug use?
Drug use can negatively impact personal relationships, family dynamics, employment, and academic performance. It may lead to isolation, conflict, financial struggles, or legal issues. For women, drug use can also increase vulnerability to domestic violence, unplanned pregnancies, and child custody challenges.
What makes a drug more addictive?
Drug use can produce a surge of dopamine, meaning that your brain receives a reward signal from the effects of the drugs. Some drugs are considered more addictive because they activate this dopamine signal to a greater extent, the withdrawal symptoms are more severe, or the drug causes significant physical or cognitive harm.
Which characteristic is associated with drug abuse?
- Withdrawal from family or social activitiesn- Neglecting responsibilitiesn- Risk-taking behaviorsn- Increased frequency of accidents or injuriesn- Continued use despite negative consequencesnnOther signs may include mood swings, secrecy, changes in sleep or eating habits as well as sudden changes in friend groups or interests.
