Exploring Substance Use in Women

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How to Take This Course:

• 1 View Course Worksheet -  View the course worksheet or print it out to review later
• 2 Read the Course Material -  As you read through, mark your answers on the course worksheet to be prepared for the exam
• 3 Take Exam -  You must achieve a score of 75% or higher in order to earn credit for the course.
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CE Course Description

People may face unique issues when it comes to substance use, as a result of both sex and gender. This intermediate level continuing education course, which was developed using information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addresses unique characteristics and issues pertaining to substance misuse among women. The reason women use drugs, how they respond, and the way that substance use disorders manifest in women compared to men are discussed as well as sex and gender differences in substance use disorder treatment. In addition, a summary of how specific drugs impact women is presented as well as an overview of the how substance use impacts pregnant and breastfeeding women.  Finally, the need to include women in clinical research related to substance misuse is examined.

Author: National Institute on Drug Abuse

CE Course Objectives

1. Identify unique characteristics of women as well as circumstances and issues they face that may impact substance use and misuse.
2. Compare and contrast men and women in regard to use patterns, effects, and consequences of specific drugs.
3. Describe the impact of substance misuse among pregnant and breastfeeding women, including how various drugs may impact the fetus and the newborn.
4. Differentiate between sex and gender differences in substance use disorder treatment, including unique barriers to treatment that women face.
5. Determine how the presence of co-occurring disorders, violence victimization, and race and ethnicity influence substance misuse among women.
6. Discuss factors that have hindered female participation in research as well as the importance of including women in clinical research related to substance misuse and other health issues that impact them.

CE Course Outline

Introduction (5 mins)

1. Overview of the course objectives (2 mins)
2. Importance of addressing sex and gender differences in substance use (3 mins)

Sex and Gender Differences in Substance Use (25 mins)

1. Biological and social factors influencing substance use in women (10 mins)
2. Patterns and prevalence of substance use by sex and gender (15 mins)

Substance Use While Pregnant and Breastfeeding (30 mins)

1. Effects of substance use on pregnancy and fetal development (10 mins)
2. Guidelines for substance use during breastfeeding (10 mins)
3. Resources for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals seeking help (10 mins)

Sex and Gender Differences in Substance Use Disorder Treatment (25 mins)

1. How treatment approaches differ for women (15 mins)
2. Barriers women face in accessing treatment (10 mins)

Other Sex and Gender Issues for Women Related to Substance Use (15 mins)

1. Impact of trauma and interpersonal violence on substance use (10 mins)
2. Role of caregiving responsibilities and socioeconomic factors (5 mins)

The Importance of Including Women in Research (15 mins)

1. Historical underrepresentation of women in substance use studies (10 mins)
2. Benefits of inclusive research for treatment and prevention (5 mins)

Where Can I Get Further Information About Substance Use in Women? (5 mins)

1. Resources and organizations providing support and education (5 mins)

Total Time: 120 minutes (2 hours)
Course Level: Introductory

Course Date: 2019-07-01

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