By the early 1990's, that percentage had increased to 31 percent . On top of this, girls today are 15 times more likely than their mother to begin using illegal drugs by age 15. Other Factors Women first caught up to men in cigarette smoking in the mid-1970s and their rate of lung cancer soared. Now, according to a new study by the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, women are catching up to men in the consumption of alcohol and the use of drugs. To make matters worse, treatment of substance abuse in women lags behind because the female anatomy is more complex and they face greater social stigma that hinders treatment.
Women simply pay a higher price for alcohol abuse than men.
Next week, we will examine the specific health risks that women face if they drink to excess. Genetic Factors Family, twin and adoption studies have shown that alcoholism has a genetic component. Facts for Women Women are at especially high risk for the health and social problems caused by alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Very extensive facts and figures on alcohol and women from the Institute of Alcohol Studies Online. Gender Issues in Elderly Drinking Women are more likely than men to start drinking heavily later in life whereas male drinking behavior is typically defined earlier in life.