Substance abuse and mental illness: unaddressed public health issues for women

Although women have been disproportionately affected by substance abuse and mental illness, these issues have received little attention. Women with substance abuse and mental disorders tend to experience more severe environmental, health, social, and economic consequences and require more costly care. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is responsible for strengthening the nation's health care delivery system for prevention and treatment of substance abuse and mental illness and addresses women's issues through its Women, Children, and Families Team (WCFT). The WCFT is concerned with the public health risks associated with substance abuse and mental disorders in women, including physical and sexual abuse/violence, human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome, criminal justice, welfare reform, and child welfare.