Introductory remarks

Abstract

The American Medical Women's Association has chosen as one of its strategic goals for the next year, and probably for a lot longer, preventing young women from smoking. Smoking is of great concern to all as the death rate from lung cancer among women skyrockets to bypass even breast cancer.In alcohol and drug abuse, women who abuse alcohol and other drugs face a greater social stigma than the male abuser of these substances. The higher incidence of depression among women adds to the likelihood of self-medication with alcohol and other drugs.Reproductive and sexual dysfunctions are frequent in women who have alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health problems, and they are more vulnerable to rape and other forms of sexual exploitation. Sexual abuse and assault may also have played an integral part in their problems.