The moment you comfortably sip your tea while reading this content, perhaps a close friend of yours is, unbeknownst to you, sitting in a bar with different companions sipping alcohol. Maybe she started out of curiosity, for fun, or to escape emotional pain, but what began casually has now turned into a silent addiction.
The term “addiction” is familiar to all of us. When we hear the word, we often imagine a man. However, with changing times, substance abuse among women has become increasingly noticeable, signaling an important social change. Today, drugs are accessible everywhere—in cities, villages, schools, colleges, and universities.
According to reports from government and non-government organizations, the rate of substance abuse among women has increased significantly in recent years. A study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in 2020 found that among drug users in Bangladesh, women accounted for 52.8%, compared to 47.2% for men. Research from the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) suggests that women from all social classes can become addicted to drugs, though the highest prevalence is found among upper-middle-class women.
While cases involving educated and affluent women often receive attention, addiction among women from poor and less educated backgrounds frequently remains undocumented. As a result, many women are deprived of proper treatment and rehabilitation opportunities. According to a United Nations report on Bangladesh’s drug situation, approximately 6.8 million people in the country are addicted to drugs, of whom 16% are women. Women from wealthier families are generally more willing to seek treatment, whereas addiction among middle- and lower-income women often remains hidden.
According to Monash, among female substance users:
32% smoke cigarettes
Approximately 28% consume alcohol
33% use sleeping pills
5% use heroin
5% use injectable drugs
According to data from Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM), among addicted women aged 15 to 35 years, 56% use Yaba.
Factors Contributing to Female Substance Abuse
Drug addiction is a silent killer that is gradually spreading across every level of society.
Mental stress & trauma:
Given the socio-economic realities of our country, women often experience greater mental stress, emotional trauma, social discrimination, and sexual harassment than men. Studies indicate that these factors contribute significantly to substance abuse among women.
Peer Influence and Curiosity:
Many adolescent girls experiment with drugs due to curiosity or peer pressure and eventually become trapped in addiction. Research indicates that approximately 17% of female residential students at the University of Dhaka have been involved in substance misuse. Among the substances used, cannabis and Phensedyl are the most common (44% each), followed by sedatives or sleeping pills (32%). Most students (87%) obtain these substances through friends or acquaintances.
Relationship problems:
Women may turn to substance use after experiencing betrayal, heartbreak, rejection, or emotional pain in friendships, family relationships, or romantic relationships.
Loneliness and Isolation:
The inability to cope with loneliness and emotional distress often drives some women toward substance use.
Family Conflict
Ongoing family disputes, emotional distance from family members, and feelings of neglect contribute to increasing rates of addiction among women.
Social Pressure
Women often face overwhelming social expectations and responsibilities. Some begin using substances as a way to cope with stress, frustration, and depression.
Trend Following and Social Acceptance:
The desire to fit in socially or follow certain trends can also increase the risk of substance abuse.
Major life crisis:
Significant life events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or serious accidents may push some women toward substance use as a coping mechanism.
Barriers to Treatment:
Even after becoming addicted, many women avoid seeking treatment due to social stigma, fear of judgment, and concerns about reputation.
Marital Conflict:
Research by Dhaka Ahsania Mission suggests that marital conflict is one of the contributing factors behind substance abuse among women.
Misuse of Prescription Medications:
Women experience chronic pain more frequently than men and are often prescribed opioids or other pain-relief medications. Misuse of these medications can lead to dependence and addiction. Easy access to substances and inadequate social control further contribute to the problem.
Addressing this issue requires specialized mental health support, increased awareness, and the creation of safe and supportive environments for women.
Impact of Substance Abuse on Women
Substance addiction has profound and far-reaching negative effects on women’s lives. It affects their physical health, mental well-being, family relationships, social functioning, and economic stability.
Physical Health Symptoms
Hormonal and Reproductive Problems
Hormonal imbalances
Fertility issues
Early menopause
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and neonatal withdrawal symptoms
Pregnancy-Related Complications
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Miscarriage
Stillbirth
Congenital and neurological abnormalities in newborns
Increased Risk of Disease
Higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Greater vulnerability to infectious diseases
Reduced immune function
Neurological and Organ Damage
Memory loss
Seizures
Damage to vital organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys
Direct Effects of Specific Substances
Alcohol: Increased risk of liver cirrhosis and breast cancer
Tobacco and e-cigarettes: Increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer
Emotional & Psychological Effects
Emotional disregulation:
Substance abuse negatively affects the areas of the brain responsible for regulating emotions, leading to sudden anger, sadness, and emotional instability.
Depression and Suicide Risk:
Addiction disrupts normal dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, increasing the likelihood of depression. Severe depression may lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Reduced Mental Stability:
Long-term substance use can cause anxiety, restlessness, mental exhaustion, and difficulties in performing daily activities.
Effects on Relationships:
Women struggling with addiction often become isolated from family and friends. They may fail to fulfill responsibilities toward children, spouses, and other family members, leading to family conflict and social isolation.
Guilt and Low Self-Esteem:
Many addicted women experience intense guilt, shame, and self-blame, particularly mothers who feel they have neglected their children. These feelings can weaken self-confidence and make recovery more difficult.
Social Isolation:
Negative societal attitudes and stigma surrounding female addiction often push women into social isolation, worsening their mental health and creating barriers to rehabilitation.
Cognitive Impairment:
Substance abuse impairs memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities, affecting overall functioning and quality of life.
Challenges in Rehabilitation:
Long-term substance use can severely damage both physical and mental health, making recovery a lengthy and complex process. Successful rehabilitation often requires continuous psychological support and comprehensive treatment.
Family and Social Consequences:
Women with substance use disorders frequently face family conflict, neglect of children, domestic violence, social humiliation, and exclusion. These challenges create significant obstacles to recovery and reintegration into society.
Women struggling with substance addiction are an integral part of our society. Helping them overcome the devastating grip of addiction requires compassion, awareness, social support, appropriate medical treatment, and accessible rehabilitation services. Only through collective efforts can we ensure that they receive the care and opportunities needed to rebuild their lives.