New York — A recent surge in substance misuse among young women has raised concerns among mental health experts. Women aged 18 to 25 are abusing stimulants and engaging in binge drinking at rates higher than their male counterparts and other age groups, according to new research.
Research published in JAMA Psychiatry reveals that nearly 37% of women in this age group reported inappropriate use of prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin in the past year. This figure is significantly higher when compared to only 25% of women aged 26 to 34 and just 13.7% among those 35 to 64. Among men, misuse rates are also concerning, with 36.1% of young men misusing prescribed stimulants, closely mirroring the figures for young women.
The study involved 83,762 participants aged 18 to 64, indicating a broader trend in drug misuse that affects a quarter of respondents. This misuse includes taking medications without a prescription or exceeding recommended dosages.
Experts suggest younger women may be turning to these stimulants to cope with societal pressures. Stacey Ross, a mental health specialist at AddictionResource.net, emphasizes that many young women experience feelings of inadequacy tied to social and professional expectations. “The immense pressure to maintain perfect grades, attractive appearances, and popularity on social media creates a pervasive need to feel ‘on’ all the time,” she noted.
In addition, the findings indicate a growing problem with binge drinking among young women. A separate study published in JAMA found that 31.6% of women aged 18 to 25 reported binge drinking, surpassing all other demographic groups. The study revealed that while men’s binge-drinking rates fell nearly 8 percentage points between 2017 and 2023, women’s rates only declined slightly by 4.8%.
Experts attribute the rising alcohol consumption among women to changing societal norms. Marketing and social media campaigns increasingly promote heavy drinking among women, often targeting those in higher socio-economic brackets. “There’s a constant societal pressure for women to embody a ‘fun’ or ‘relaxed’ persona, which often translates into increased alcohol consumption,” Ross stated.
Adding to the concern, the rise in binge drinking correlates with a troubling increase in alcohol-related liver diseases and mortality rates among young and middle-aged women. As these trends continue, researchers emphasize the necessity for early intervention and prevention programs to address both stimulant misuse and alcohol abuse among young women.
The analysis also highlights a shifting landscape in ADHD diagnoses, particularly among women. Historical under-diagnosis means more women are now being identified with ADHD, which has been linked to stimulant misuse. Experts are calling attention to the need for targeted treatment and support for young women navigating these challenges.
These findings underscore the complex intersection of mental health, societal pressures, and substance use, prompting the need for comprehensive strategies to support this vulnerable population.