​Definition

What is substance abuse?

• According to the DSM IV, substance abuse is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by:
       Failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, home¹        
       Recurrent use in situations in which is it physically hazardous¹   
       Recurrent use related legal problems¹     
       Use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the substance¹      

Why is substance abuse in women important?

• Women make up 30% of the addicted population in The United States
• Women who use substances are less likely to receive adequate healthcare or prenatal care^{2, 3}
• Estimates of substance use in women are likely underestimated secondary to fear of prosecution or perception of social stigma⁴

1. American Psychiatric Association (2000).  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition.  Retrieved November 1, 2010 from University of Maryland Baltimore Library website: https://www.hshsl.umaryland.edu/​
2. Haves, J.R. et al (2009).  Factors associated with substance use during pregnancy: Results from a national sample. Drug and Alcohol Dependence 99. 89-95. 
3. Wendell, A.D (2013). Overview and epidemiology of substance abuse in pregnancy. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology 56. 91-96.
4. Van Gelder, M. et al (2010).  Characteristics of Pregnant Illicit Drug Users and Associations between Cannabis and Perinatal Outcome in a Population Based Study [Electronic Version].  Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 109, 243-247. 

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