Women and the use of alcohol and other drugs

Historically men have been more likely to use alcohol and other drugs (AOD) than women.

But this pattern is changing, especially when it comes to risky drinking and using certain illicit drugs.

In this article we explore how women's AOD use is changing, why this is concerning, the unique challenges women face, the impact of stigma and the supports available.

Patterns of alcohol and drug use among Australian women

Almost 20 years of survey data suggest that Australian men were about 40% more likely than women to use illicit drugs each year.

In 2022/23 however, this difference dropped to 20% due to a significant increase in women’s drug use.²

What’s even more concerning is that young women, aged 14-24, used illicit drugs more than young men for the first time in over 20 years.¹

This major shift is mostly due to the increased use of cannabis and cocaine by women.

Cannabis

Men are more likely than women to have used cannabis recently. But this gap is closing as less men and more women report recent use.²

Since 2019, the number of women aged 18 and over reporting high-risk cannabis use has more than doubled. As a result, women are now more likely than men to be dependent on cannabis and in need of support if they want to cut back.²

Among young women, cannabis use has increased significantly:

• In 2022/23 girls aged 14-17 were nearly twice as likely as boys to use cannabis.¹
• From 2019 to 2022/23, cannabis use among women aged 18-24 increased by 6%.¹

Cocaine

More women have also started using cocaine, closing a long held gap in use between the genders.³

Since 2019, cocaine use by young women aged 18-24 has increased, making them more likely than men of the same age to use cocaine in 2022/23.¹

Alcohol 

More women aged 18 to 24 are now drinking at risky levels. Because of this, the gap in risky drinking between young men and women is the smallest it’s been since 2007, at just 5%.¹

How does alcohol and drug use impact women’s health?

Men and women have different experiences with AOD use and harms. This is often influenced by biological (sex-related) differences and various gender-related societal and cultural factors.

Biological factors

Women process alcohol and other drugs differently to men, due to their metabolism, hormonal changes, and nervous system responses.⁴

Although research is limited, some studies show these biological differences could make women more vulnerable to AOD harms than men. For example, women who use AOD have a higher risk of liver disease, cancer, death from cardiovascular diseases and substance use disorders.^4-7

Societal and cultural factors

Australian women are less likely than men to seek treatment for alcohol and other drug use and often take longer to look for help.⁸

While there are many barriers for seeking help and support, stigma and discrimination has a significant impact on women.

For example, there is often an expectation for women to be the primary caregivers, which can lead to harsher judgment for their AOD use and make it harder for them to seek help and support.^9,10

Other barriers that can prevent or delay a woman accessing treatment include family responsibilities, mental health issues and the lack of treatment services that cater to their unique needs. There’s often limited on-site childcare options, and treatments rarely address common issues women face, like trauma from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.¹¹

You can read more about the barriers in our Women and alcohol and other drugs treatment article.

How does alcohol and drug use by others impact women?

Women experience harms not just from their own AOD use, but also from the use of others around them.

Australian women are twice as likely as men to face intimate partner violence when their partners drink alcohol – an alarming statistic.¹²

Women also bear a heavier caregiver burden than men, spending more time caring for others due to excessive alcohol use. They often find themselves having to look after drinkers and their families, clean up after them, and even drive them around.¹³

What can we do?

Recognising the unique factors and differences that affect women’s AOD experiences is an important step and can lead to improved support and overall health and wellbeing.

More research, awareness, and gender-sensitive approaches are also needed to ensure women receive the care they deserve.¹¹

Help and further information

• National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline
  1800 250 015 Free and confidential, 24/7 information, support and referrals. You will be automatically directed to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) in the state/territory you are calling from.
• Path2Help
  A confidential online portal from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation that matches you to the most appropriate AOD information and services for your specific needs/circumstances or those of someone you are concerned for.
• Royal Women’s Hospital Women’s Alcohol & Drug Service (WADS)
  A service that provides medical care, counselling and support to women with complex substance use and dependence in Victoria.