Does gender have an in-fluence on whether a drug has complications? There is limited research available to answer this question, for many studies include men only. In general, women drink less often and in smaller amounts than men do, and they suffer fewer ALCOHOL-related problems and less dependence (WITHDRAWAL) symptoms. Women use illicit drugs less often than men do, although women have a higher consumption of prescription tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and over-the-counter drugs. Thus, the differences seen between the genders in complications largely reflect the differences in the respective patterns and prevalence of their alcohol and drug use.

The effects of the drugs are relatively similar between men and women. For example, in a heavy drinking and heavy SMOKING sample population, there is little difference in the mortality rates between men and women. Alcohol-and drug-using women are more...