Problematic substance use among women is increasing, with global prevalence data indicating that 46 million women have an alcohol use disorder (1), the highest prevalence of which is located in the European region (2). Reports from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) also show that women make up a quarter of people with illicit problematic drug use in Europe (3). Globally, approximately a third of all drug users are women, and a fifth of injecting drug users are women (4). Historically, societal and medical responses to substance use issues were shaped based on men as the major protagonists, with women’s use only acknowledged when it impacted their care-giving role (5, 6). Feminist perspectives have more recently identified how women experience drug and alcohol use, the type of substances they use, the spaces they consume substances, and their treatment and support needs (7). However, researchers and practitioners need to continue the dialogue on women’s substance use in order to expand knowledge, challenge prejudices, and learn to support women in a way that is specific to their needs.

Indeed, women are often more affected by substance use than men, and more affected negatively by others’ use (4). They commonly experience multiple types of disadvantage and trauma, including violence and abuse, sex-work, poverty, and mental ill-health (8). There are also unique physical health risks including breast cancer, ovulation and menstrual difficulties, early menopause, and fertility issues, as well as risks to the child in pregnancy (9, 10). Women from minority ethnic groups face additional challenges and barriers (11).