• In 2003, an estimated 5.9 percent of women aged 18 or older met criteria for abuse of or dependence on alcohol or an illicit drug in the past year

• American Indian or Alaska Native women aged 18 or older had higher rates of abuse of or dependence on alcohol or an illicit drug than women aged 18 or older in other racial or ethnic groups

• Women aged 18 to 49 who were married had a lower rate of substance (alcohol or illicit drug) abuse or dependence than women of any other marital status

Women with substance use problems often have fewer resources (e.g., employment, education, and income) than men, are more likely to be living with a partner with a substance use problem, and are more likely than men to have responsibility for the care of dependent children. The 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) asked persons aged 12 or older to report on their use of alcohol and illicit drugs, as well as their symptoms of substance dependence or abuse during the past year. NSDUH defines any illicit drug as including marijuana/hashish, cocaine (including crack), inhalants, hallucinogens, heroin, or prescription-type drugs used nonmedically. NSDUH defines dependence on or abuse of illicit drugs or alcohol using criteria specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV),2 including symptoms such as withdrawal, tolerance, use in dangerous situations, trouble with the law, and interference in major obligations at work, school, or home during the past year. This report focuses on substance use and substance abuse or dependence among women aged 18 or older.

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