Of these, 3.1 million used marijuana, and 19,000 women used cocaine. The 1993 National Household Survey indicates heroin use by about 88,000 women. Although this pattern is not significantly different than prescription abuse by men, the possibility of abuse of prescription drugs is greater for women.
Women are twice as likely as men to be addicted to prescription drugs in combination with alcohol.
In the past, many traditional drug treatment programs have been modeled for men, the primary population previously entering treatment. The increased abuse of alcohol, prescription and illegal drugs by women has created a tremendous need for comprehensive gender-specific treatment services that are designed to meet their special needs. Some barriers are unique to special populations, but many are relevant to women of different ages, races and socioeconomic status. In practice, specific barriers cross these three types. Women often earn less than men, are much more likely to be single heads of households, and are more likely to live in poverty.