Alcoholism and drug abuse pose unique problems for certain groups of people.

Minorities
Addiction is an issue among many minority groups. A good example of this is Native Americans, who have twice the rate of alcoholism as caucasians in the United States. Low-income people develop drug and alcohol addictions, and then they’re unable to get treatment. Homeless people also have a high rate of addiction problems.

Women
The rate of alcoholism among women in the United States has been gradually rising over recent years. Forty percent of people who suffer from alcohol problems are now women. Drinking affects women differently than men in a number of ways. It makes depression and osteoporosis more likely. Women are able to feel the effects of alcohol stronger due to certain hormonal levels, and it’s believed that it is easier for them to develop alcoholism. Women who have a drug and alcohol abuse problem are four time more likely to commit suicide than those who don’t.

Seniors
Many people don’t think of senior citizens as people with alcoholism and drug abuse problems. However, it’s more common than one might realize. Abusing alcohol to alleviate depression and sleeplessness is not unusual. Older adults also tend to have access to prescription medications, which can and often does easily lead to a drug addiction.

Teens
Teenagers that use drugs and alcohol are more likely to be involved in many other risky behaviors, as well. For example, they are more likely to drop out of high school, get bad grades in high school, become a teen parent, engage in high-risk sexual behavior, have an injury, and be in a car accident. They are also at higher risk of being involved in criminal activity. Almost half of American high school seniors say that they have at least tried an illegal drug or alcohol.

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