The collaboration of a multiplicity of disciplines, ranging from biology to psychology and sociology is needed to better understand drug abuse behavior. Women's dependence on nicotine may be the most important area to study because it may represent an intergenerational cycle of addiction. Rates of anxiety and affective disorders are reported to be higher in women than in men. These disorders are considered precursors to drug use and dependence. Such findings demand greater attention not only by NIDA but also by the Institute's research and treatment partners so that better treatment of anxiety and affective disorders can be offered and drug dependence can be delayed or avoided.
Research is needed on the over prescription of drugs to women.
Research questions should include whether victimization compels women to use drugs and whether partner violence is a consequence of drug use. The issues that need to be addressed relate to intergenerational models of violence and alcohol and other drug problems and go beyond drug abuse research, treatment, and prevention. Research should address the issues of HIV and AIDS detection, access to care, engagement into prevention or treatment, and utilization of services as well as questions related to specific subgroups of women, such as women of color, lesbians, and bisexual women. Studies are needed that explore genetic, environmental, social, and cultural factors, strengths as well as areas of risk, and combinations and aggregations of these factors. Research projects with American Indian populations must be developed in equal partnership.