Substance problems in women are often missed because of stigma and because use may be private — for example sleeping pills or tobacco.
Women can develop health effects of alcohol faster than men at similar amounts.
Key concepts
- Confidential, non-judgemental care helps women seek treatment
- Pregnancy needs specialist planning, not sudden stopping
- Trauma and depression commonly co-exist
Symptoms and signs
- Taking sleeping or anxiety pills daily
- Drinking alone or hiding bottles
- Using tobacco (gutka, mishri) to cope
Causes
- Stress, caregiving burden, domestic difficulties
- Partner's substance use
- Untreated anxiety, depression or pain
Risk factors
- History of abuse or trauma
- Isolation and lack of support
- Easy access to medicines
Evidence-based management
- Confidential assessment, with a family member only if she wishes
- Treatment of depression, anxiety and trauma
- Safe tapering of pills; supervised alcohol withdrawal
- Pregnancy: joint care with obstetrician
When to seek professional help
- Dependence during pregnancy — seek help early, do not stop suddenly
- Violence at home — safety first (112, women's helpline 181)
- Low mood or thoughts of self-harm
Frequently asked questions
Will my family be told?
Your consultation is confidential; family involvement is with your consent, except where safety requires otherwise.
Can I be treated online?
Yes, many women prefer private video consultation; some situations need in-person care.
Medical references
Guidelines and official sources used for this article.
- International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders (revised edition). UNODC & World Health Organization, 2020.
- Alcohol — fact sheet. World Health Organization.
- Magnitude of Substance Use in India. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and NDDTC, AIIMS New Delhi, 2019.
- Author
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MD Psychiatry
- Last reviewed
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
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