Understanding how to intervene and treat problems, however, is based largely on studies of male alcoholics and addicts. Virtually all drugs, especially alcohol, are far more damaging to women than men. Women come to treatment much sicker, with far more physical deterioration. Many have been battered or sexually abused. Women develop more liver cirrhosis than men.
Some studies indicate the rate for cirrhosis in women is twice that for men.
Alcohol use is associated with increased risk of breast cancer. AIDS is now one of the 10 leading causes of death among American women. Women experience more social disapproval of alcohol use and alcoholic women are more stigmatized. Women in treatment for cocaine abuse are more likely to also be diagnosed with depression, and to have slower recovery from depression than men. Unlike other illegal drugs, crack is popular among women and youth.