Often, when we hear about substance use disorders, the conversation tends to focus on how addiction affects men. Women, however, face their own unique challenges with substance use and recovery. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has found important sex and gender differences in the development, effects, and treatment of substance use disorders. Women may experience a faster progression from initial substance use to dependence and enter treatment with greater medical concerns than men owing to their increased risk for liver disease and other complications..
If you are a woman struggling with substance use, you may feel isolated. You may feel as though there are fewer resources designed specifically for you, or you may question whether your substance use is “bad enough” to justify seeking help. Shame and stigma surrounding substance abuse also make it more difficult for people to acknowledge their struggles and seek treatment.
Young adult women are frequently exposed to substance related media, television, and music that normalizes binge drinking and substance use as a way of coping with uncomfortable emotions. This makes it seem “normal.” In college and university settings, binge drinking and unhealthy substance use may also be viewed as a way to fit in, socialize and connect with others. However, for some women, what begins as casual or social substance use can develop into more problematic patterns over time.
Understanding the Risks for Women
Historically, women have also been underrepresented in areas of medical and substance use research, contributing to gaps in our understanding of how addiction and recovery may differ between women and men. Today, research increasingly demonstrates that biological and social differences can influence how women experience the effects of certain substances.
Alcohol provides one important example. Research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) indicates that women can experience alcohol-related health problems sooner and at lower levels of alcohol exposure than men. Women who misuse alcohol may also face increased risks of alcohol-related liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and other medical complications.
Unique Barriers Women May Face in Treatment
Women often encounter additional barriers when seeking addiction treatment. Pregnancy, childcare responsibilities, fear of losing custody of children, transportation, financial concerns, and stigma can all interfere with a woman’s ability to enter or remain in treatment. These barriers do not mean that recovery is less achievable for women. Instead, they demonstrate why treatment should recognize the unique circumstances that women may have in recovery.
Why Women-Centered Treatment Matters
Finding treatment and therapy that recognizes the unique biological, psychological, and social factors that influence substance use and recovery is important. This may include addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, shame, stigma, caregiving resources/support, body image and self esteem support, financial and employment support, and building supportive relationships with other women struggling with similar and different backgrounds and struggles.
Recovery is about more than challenging substance use. It involves developing healthier coping skills, processing underlying experiences, rebuilding relationships and creating a meaningful life outside of addiction. Women- centered treatment provides a space where women can feel understood, supported, and empowered through the process.
References:
Getliff, S., & Barker, A. B. (2025). The effect of exposure to alcohol media content on young people’s alcohol use: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(7), 1078.
Testa, M., Hoffman, J. H., Livingston, J. A., & Turrisi, R. (2009). Effect of precollege drinking intentions on women’s college drinking as mediated via peer social influences. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 70(4), 575–582.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Harmful and underage college drinking.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Substance use in women. National Institutes of Health. NIDA — Substance Use in Women
