Why are drugs and alcohol even more dangerous for me as a woman
From Audiopedia - Accessible Learning for All
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In addition to the problems that anyone who misuses drugs or alcohol may suffer, women face some special health problems:
Women who drink large amounts of alcohol or use a lot of drugs are more likely to get liver disease than men.
Many women and girls are pushed into sex they do not want when they drink alcohol or use drugs. This may result in unwanted pregnancy, infection with HIV, or other STIs.
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, smokes, or uses drugs, the baby does too. If used during pregnancy, drugs and alcohol can cause children to be born with birth defects and mental disabilities, such as:
Women feel more shame: In most communities, women’s behavior in public is more strictly controlled than men’s behavior. Often it is considered normal for men to use alcohol or drugs, but not for women to do so. If a woman loses control of her behavior because of using too much alcohol or drugs, she is thought to be a ‘loose woman’, even if she is not having sex with others. To avoid the shame that comes from making her drug or alcohol misuse public, a woman is more likely to drink steadily over a long period of time, rather than drinking a lot at one time. This kind of drinking makes it easier for her to control her behavior. She is also more likely to keep her misuse a secret and to put off getting treatment. All these behaviors increase the harm that comes from alcohol or drug misuse.
Misusing alcohol and drugs makes violent situations worse, especially in the home: Women who have partners who misuse drugs and alcohol often suffer injuries and even death.