Women aged 26 to 34 have the highest usage rates compared to other women who use alcohol. Almost half of all women aged 15 to 44 have used drugs at least once in their life. Of these women, nearly 2 million have used cocaine and more than 6 million have used marijuana within the past year, says the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Compared with men, women with drinking or drug problems are also at increased risk for depression, low self-esteem, marital discord or divorce, history of sexual abuse and drinking in response to life crises. The National Institute on Drug Abuse claims more than 4 million women need treatment for alcohol and drug problems.
College graduates are more likely to drink heavily than high school graduates.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says that single, divorced or separated women are more likely to drink heavily than married women or widows. Women who have personality disorders are more likely to drink heavily. Women with a family history of alcohol abuse are more at risk for also abusing alcohol. Women who work in an environment that encourages drinking, such as sales or entertainment, are more likely to drink heavily than women in other professions. Health Issues Related to Alcohol and Drug Use The death rate among women alcoholics is higher than among males because of their increased risk for suicide, alcohol-related accidents, cirrhosis and hepatitis.