You or a woman you know may need help with an alcohol or other drug problem. But it’s not always easy to ask for help. People often find it difficult to admit their problem to anyone, even themselves. And for women there can be additional challenges:
- Women who have a substance use problem often feel ashamed or guilty, even more so if they are pregnant.
- Women with children may not seek treatment for alcohol or other drug problems because they have no one to care for their children while getting help, or they may feel judged by those around them for asking for help. Some may fear that their children will be taken away from them.
Women, like all people, make many different choices about alcohol or other drug use. Some decide to drink or use drugs socially and have no problem controlling their use. Some drink or use other drugs for pleasure, to deal with negative or painful feelings, or to cope with difficult or stressful events.
The majority of women who use alcohol or other drugs do not become addicted; however, a small percentage of women who start experimenting socially with alcohol or other drugs end up having problems. If women begin to use substances as a way of coping and comforting themselves, they may enter a cycle of dependence that could lead to a potential addiction. Some become physically or psychologically dependent. For these women, substance use often occurs in a progressive pattern: they use more of the drug, they use it more often, and they experience greater problems in their life as a result.
How alcohol and other drugs affect women
Alcohol and other drugs are widely used in our society. Not everyone is affected in the same way, but studies show some general patterns:
- Alcohol is the most common substance used by girls and women, and a significant number of girls and women who consume alcohol drink at risky levels.
- Women have higher rates of prescription drug use than men do, and women are more likely to be prescribed medications such as painkillers, antidepressants and diet pills.
- Women with substance use problems often have a history of physical or sexual abuse. Many women report that their substance use followed a traumatic event in their lives.
- Women are more likely to abuse alcohol or other drugs if their partners or parents abuse substances.
- Some women experiencing depression will use alcohol or other drugs to feel better, but unfortunately their use can worsen the depression.
- On average, women are smaller and feel the effects of alcohol sooner than men do; the same amount of alcohol has a stronger effect on them.
- Women are at greater risk of developing alcohol-related health problems, especially liver damage.
- Women usually develop alcohol problems later in life, but at a quicker rate than men do.
- Alcohol and many other drugs cause changes in the reproductive system that can negatively affect or disrupt the menstrual cycle, fetal development, childbirth and menopause.
Safe and unsafe drinking levels
For pregnant women, there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption. During pregnancy, no alcohol is best.
Women who are not pregnant can reduce health risks and avoid other problems with alcohol by following these guidelines:
Consume no more than
- one drink per hour
- three drinks per day
- nine drinks in one week
Older women, women in poor health, and women who are taking medications are likely to be more affected by alcohol, so are advised to drink less than the general guidelines recommend.
Drinking too much or too quickly is dangerous to your health and well-being. Over time, too much alcohol can cause serious health problems, such as damage to the liver, heart, stomach and brain.
Even one drink a day may be associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.
Excessive use of other drugs can also lead to serious health risks. Problems with alcohol or other drug use can lead to troubles in many areas of your life: relationships, family, physical and mental health, work or school, finances, or the law.
What is a drink?
A standard drink is
- 12 ounces (355 ml) beer
- 5 ounces (150 ml) wine
- 3 ounces (90 ml) fortified wine such as port or sherry
- 1.5 ounces (45 ml) 80-proof distilled spirits
When a woman is pregnant
The effects of alcohol and other drugs on an unborn baby depend on many factors, such as overall health, amount of alcohol consumed, and use of other substances. Here are some facts to consider:
- Up to 50% of pregnancies are unplanned. So women who don’t plan to get pregnant might consume alcohol before they know they are pregnant.
- Binge drinking (four or more drinks on one occasion) is particularly risky if there is any chance of pregnancy.
- The most severe outcome of drinking alcohol during pregnancy is that the baby may be born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), which could lead to a range of physical and developmental problems for the child.
- There is no known safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy. No alcohol is best.
- If a woman smokes tobacco while pregnant, the baby might have developmental and behavioural problems, and may be at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). There is also a risk of stillbirth or premature delivery.
- Marijuana use during pregnancy can harm the developing baby in similar ways to how tobacco use can.
- Cocaine use increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery.
- Some over-the-counter medications and some prescription medications are not safe for pregnant women. Once you learn you are pregnant, ask a doctor, nurse or pharmacist if the medications you are taking are safe.
Reducing the harm
If you or a woman close to you has been using alcohol or other drugs while pregnant, don’t panic. Stress and worry can make things worse. Talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist about the situation.
It’s never too late to quit or cut down. Every step taken to stop drinking or using other drugs is a step toward better health for both mother and child.
There are many resources, service agencies and FASD networks to help you with concerns about how alcohol or other drug use may be affecting your life or the life of someone you know.
Where can I get help?
Alberta Health Services offers addiction and mental health assessment and counselling services in communities throughout Alberta. Enhanced services for women, including community outreach, assessment, counselling and aftercare support, are available in some locations.
For more information and to find an addiction services office near you, please call the 24-hour Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.
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