|
|
|
Drugs affect men and women differently. Women have higher risks than men of developing certain diseases as a result of drug use. For example, women who drink have an increased risk of liver disease than do men who drink. Cervical cancer is a risk for women who smoke.
Differences in body weight between men and women also change the affects of drugs. Since men generally weigh more than women, if a man and a woman take the same amount of a drug, then (all other factors being equal), the drug will have more of an effect on the woman, and she will have a higher blood level of the drug.
Some women report that they use drugs (such as cigarettes, amphetamines or ecstasy) to lose weight, or are afraid to quit using drugs because they are afraid of gaining weight. Drugs can change your weight indirectly, through their affect on other factors. These factors are:
The weight gain (if there is one - not all drugs affect your weight and not all people gain or lose weight because of drug use) caused by quitting drugs is usually just the result of returning to a normal appetite. The weight gain is generally slight (about 5 pounds or less) and can be prevented with exercise and proper nutrition.
Drug use in pregnant mothers has been shown to be dangerous to the health of the baby, and can cause complications during pregnancy and with the child's development. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, talk to a doctor as soon as possible. Tell him or her all of the drugs you have been using since the date you believe you became pregnant. This includes ALL drugs, anything from cigarettes to prescription medicine.
If you are breastfeeding a baby, it is also important to be aware of what you are taking, because many drugs (such as caffeine) and foods can travel through the bloodstream and into your milk.
 Next |
