Women under the Influence belongs in the personal library of every parent with a daughter, everyone with a sister, mother or grandmother and every husband. With this book, women will better understand the substance abuse risks they face at each stage of life. -- Nancy Reagan, Former First Lady This book reveals the unique characteristics of girls and women with drug and alcohol problems. It will greatly enhance the ability of doctors and counselors to help women of all ages and walks of life. -- Betty Ford, Former First Lady This book should be in every health professional's office in America. It will help doctors, nurses, dentists, psychologists and substance abuse treatment providers better serve women with substance abuse problems. -- Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., Former Secretary, Health and Human Services

This comprehensive and accessible book documents the physical and emotional effects of substance abuse in girls and women, explores the role of the advertising and entertainment industries in popularizing various substances of abuse, and discusses the way America responds to this enormous health problem. Covering a broad range of substances-nicotine, alcohol, prescription and illicit drugs-the book addresses the unique reasons that girls and women smoke and abuse alcohol and drugs. It provides the most current information about the use of prescription and club drugs, key warning signs of addiction, and options for prevention and treatment. The book includes historical anecdotes and testimonies from recovering women. Incorporating more than a decade of extensive research, Women under the Influence will help women, health care professionals, educators, and policy makers understand the scope of substance abuse in girls and women, the urgency of responding to the problem, the key points of intervention, and potential roads to recovery.