Epidemiology of Substance Use in Reproductive-Age Women

A significant number of women of reproductive age in the United States use addictive substances. In 2012 more than 50% reported current use of alcohol, 20% used tobacco products, and approximately 13% used other drugs. Among women, use of these substances is associated with several significant medical, psychiatric, and social consequences, and the course of illness may progress more rapidly in women than in men. The prevalence of substance use and evidence of accelerated illness progression in women highlight the importance of universal substance use screening in women in primary care settings.