Women and Pregnancy

Abstract

Women face unique issues when it comes to substance use, in part influenced by sex and gender. Women who use licit and illicit substances can develop issues related to hormones, menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. In addition, women themselves describe unique reasons for using substances, including controlling weight, fighting exhaustion, coping with pain, and attempts to self-treat mental health problems. In this chapter, we review the current epidemiology of women, pregnancy, and substance use; consequences of use; physiologic considerations; screening/diagnosis; approaches to improve outcomes; treatment considerations; and treatment issues specific to pregnant women such as medication issues, breastfeeding, and psychotherapy.