High-risk groups who use drugs

Some groups of people are more likely than others to have problems related to alcohol or drug abuse. These groups include:

Teenagers and young adults. Approximately one-half of all high school seniors in the U.S. admit to having used alcohol or an illegal drug. Substance abuse in this age group increases the risk of involvement in crime, high-risk sexual behavior, accidents, and injuries. Teens that use alcohol and drugs are more likely to have poor school performance and have higher dropout rates.
Women.
Although women are less likely than men to abuse alcohol, they are more likely to have alcohol-related health problems, such as liver disease.
Women are more likely to have problems with prescription medicines. More than two-thirds of all tranquilizers are prescribed for women. Tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicines, and amphetamines are abused most often by women.
Alcohol and drug abuse in women increases the risk of developing other health problems, such as osteoporosis or depression.
Women who abuse alcohol and drugs attempt suicide four times more frequently than nonabusers.
Adults older than age 65. Drug abuse in this age group is a problem because of the high number of prescription medicines and the lack of coordination between health professionals. Signs of alcohol or drug abuse may be mistaken for other disease problems or simply overlooked as a symptom of "aging." Many older adults "self-medicate" with alcohol to help relieve sleep problems, depression, and other problems. Alcohol abuse is more common than drug abuse in older adults. Alcohol contributes to automobile accidents and other types of severe injury in this group of people.
Low-income populations. Drug and alcohol abuse is a problem for many minorities, including disabled adults, the homeless, and minority populations.
Babies. Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy can cause birth defects and increase the risk of infant mortality. Babies are more likely to have learning disabilities and social and behavioral problems when their mothers use alcohol or drugs during pregnancy. Babies with mothers who use alcohol are at risk for problems from fetal alcohol syndrome.
Children. Studies show that children who are exposed to drug abuse in the home, especially methamphetamine, have higher rates of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, anger, and alcohol and drug abuse. They also are more likely to have learning problems and do poorly in school .