Are you concerned about your own substance use or the substance use of a woman close to you? If so, this brochure will help you:
- understand more about substance abuse and women
- make decisions about alcohol/drug use when pregnant
- assess whether you may have an alcohol or other drug problem
- know where to go for help
Women use alcohol and other mood altering drugs for many reasons. Women may use alcohol or other drugs because it is pleasurable, to relax and unwind, to feel more powerful in their lives, or to simply feel "high." The majority of women who use alcohol or other drugs never have problems associated with their use.
However, a small portion of women will develop a substance abuse problem. For these women, it may be difficult to admit to anyone, even themselves, that they are in trouble. This is partly because people have negative stereotypes about women who have a problem with alcohol or other drugs. A woman may believe these stereotypes and feel ashamed or guilty. These feelings make it harder to face the problem or to ask for help.
Alcohol and other drug abuse can damage a woman's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Problems with relationships, work or school, finances or the law arise as alcohol or drug use increases. To regain control over her alcohol or other drug use, a woman may need outside help.
Facts to consider:
- Women are more likely to abuse alcohol or other drugs if their partners or parents do.
- Women who drink alcohol or take drugs during pregnancy risk damaging their unborn child.
- Substance abuse is often triggered by a life crisis, such as divorce, the death of a loved one, or children leaving home.
- Women with addiction problems often have a history of physical or sexual abuse, or are currently in an abusive relationship.
- Some women suffering with depression will abuse alcohol or other drugs in an attempt to feel better, but this can worsen the depression.
- Women are prescribed mood-altering drugs more often than men and they use other drugs in combination with alcohol more often.
- Women entering addiction treatment are more likely to have attempted suicide than men.
- Women with a substance abuse problem also may experience eating disorders, agoraphobia, and other panic disorders.
- Women's dependence on alcohol often develops later in life and gets worse more quickly than for men.
- The same amount of alcohol affects a woman more than a man.
- Over time, too much alcohol can cause serious health problems such as damage to the liver, heart, stomach, and brain. Heavy drinking may also increase the risk of menstrual problems or some forms of cancer.
Alcohol, Other Drugs & Pregnancy
Most drugs, including alcohol, pass from your bloodstream into the baby when you are pregnant. Nobody knows exactly how much alcohol or other drugs it takes to harm your baby. Consider the following information if you are pregnant or are planning to have a baby:
- Alcohol: We know that drinking alcohol when pregnant can hurt your developing baby. No safe limit of alcohol consumption by a pregnant woman has been established. Less alcohol is better. No alcohol is best. It's safest not to drink while pregnant.
- Over-the-Counter Drugs: Some of these drugs are safe, but some are harmful. Check with a doctor, pharmacist, or community health nurse before taking any over-the-counter drug while pregnant.
- Prescription Drugs: Many prescriptions are not safe for pregnant women. If your doctor has prescribed you a drug, talk with him/her about the safety of taking it while pregnant.
- Street Drugs: Street drugs can be a mix of many drugs and harmful additives. It's safest not to use street drugs at all when pregnant.
- Alcohol, Other Drugs and Breast-Feeding: Small amounts of any drug you take, including alcohol, are in your breast milk. It's not a good idea to drink or use drugs when breast-feeding.
If you have been taking alcohol or other drugs while pregnant, don't panic. The possibility of a problem resulting from your alcohol or other drug use varies with the substance used, when you took it during your pregnancy, and the amount consumed. Talk to your health care provider and get more information.
Do you have an alcohol or drug problem?
Here is a checklist of some warning signs that may suggest an alcohol or other drug problem:
- I feel guilty about my use of substances, or what I do when drinking/using.
- I sometimes have "blackouts" after drinking/using (times when I later can't remember what I did or said).
- I am drinking or using drugs more often, or it takes more of the substance to get me "high."
- I have tried and failed to cut down on my alcohol or drug use.
- Someone close to me has told me they are worried about my alcohol or other drug use.
- I am sometimes unable to meet work, school, or home obligations because of my substance use.
- I have had legal problems as a result of my alcohol or other drug use.
- I drink or use drugs to help me deal with my painful feelings.
- I sometimes drink/use more heavily after disappointments, quarrels, or under pressure.
- I can't imagine coping with life without alcohol or drugs.
- Sometimes I lie or cover up my alcohol or drug use.
- My alcohol or other drug use is affecting the way I parent my children.
If you checked off any of these boxes your substance use is likely causing problems in your life. The more boxes you checked off, the more severe your problem may be.
Help is available
Juggling family, work and other obligations can create great stress. It can be hard to find the time and energy to take care of your own needs when working so hard to meet the needs of those around you. The challenge is to find a healthy balance between family, community, work and leisure without relying on alcohol or drugs.
If you are concerned about your use of alcohol or drugs, there is help available. AADAC has programs that are confidential, professional and caring. AADAC's network of services offers:
- individual assessment and counselling services in communities throughout Alberta
- Enhanced Services for Women, providing community outreach, assessment, counselling and after-care support
- detoxification centres
- residential treatment programs, including specialized treatment services for women at:
For more information, contact your local AADAC office or call the AADAC Help Line at 1-866-33AADAC.
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