Epidemiology of Substance Use Disorders in Women

There are differences in prevalence, etiology, and appropriate interventions for women with substance use disorders compared to men. Yet the systems to prevent and treat substance use problems are mostly designed around the needs of boys and men. This chapter covers the history of research on substance use disorders (SUDs) in women, what we know about biological and social determinants of SUD, and the sex and gender differences in those determinants. It covers the prevention, screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of SUDs and what is known and not known regarding efficacy for girls and women. The chapter also covers adaptations that have been made for women and identifies opportunities for new research and evaluation to better prevent and treat SUD in women.