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Review
. 2014 Jun;41(2):177-89.
doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2014.02.001.

Epidemiology of substance use in reproductive-age women

Affiliations
Review

Epidemiology of substance use in reproductive-age women

R Kathryn McHugh et al. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2014 Jun.

Abstract

A significant number of women of reproductive age in the United States use addictive substances. In 2012 more than 50% reported current use of alcohol, 20% used tobacco products, and approximately 13% used other drugs. Among women, use of these substances is associated with several significant medical, psychiatric, and social consequences, and the course of illness may progress more rapidly in women than in men. The prevalence of substance use and evidence of accelerated illness progression in women highlight the importance of universal substance use screening in women in primary care settings.

Keywords: Pregnancy; Substance use; Substance use disorders; Women.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures: Drs. McHugh and Greenfield and Ms. Wigderson have no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.

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