Also, women can become addicted quickly to certain drugs, such as crack cocaine. therefore, by the time they seek help, their addiction may be difficult to treat.
Women who use drugs often suffer from other serious health problems, sexually transmitted diseases, and mental health problems, such as depression.
Many women who use drugs have had troubled lives. Studies have found that at least 70 percent of women drug users have been sexually abused by the age of 16. Most of these women had at least one parent who abused alcohol or drugs.
Often, women who use drugs have low self-esteem, little self-confidence, and feel powerless. They often feel lonely and are isolated from support networks.
Women from certain cultural backgrounds or who have difficulty with the English language may not know how to find help for their addiction.