Research indicates substance abuse — what experts refer to as substance use disorders
(SUD) — is not just a male-only concern. It affects women in significant numbers,
according to a snapshot released by the Utah Women & Leadership Project at Utah Valley
University.
“Women are more likely to be prescribed opioids and to develop an addiction more easily
when compared to men,” the snapshot says. “Eighty percent of heroin users in Utah
started with prescription opioids, and in 2017, Utah ranked second in the nation for
states with the highest high-dosage prescription rates.”
Men make up the majority of drug deaths overall, but a study of cases from 2012-14,
showed women made up 58 percent of all emergency department visits related to SUD.
“This suggests that women may be more likely to seek or receive treatment for drug
overdoses than men,” it says.
SUD can vary according to education level, marital status or income. For fiscal year
2018, more than 70 percent of female clients in a public treatment facility had a
high school diploma or less, while four percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher.
More than 47 percent of women receiving services had never been married, 34 percent
were divorced or separated, and 15.3 percent were married. 93 percent of these clients
lived at or below the poverty line.
“These numbers do not necessarily indicate that wealthier, more educated, or married
Utahns do not experience substance use disorders; these percentages describe only
those receiving services through the public system, many of whom are uninsured,” the
snapshot says.
There are additional concerns for women who are pregnant.
“A 2014 study of prescription opioid use during pregnancy among women receiving Medicaid
showed Utah had the highest rate in the nation for pregnant women receiving an opioid
prescription, at 41.6 percent,” it says. “This was almost twice the national rate
of 22.8 percent.”
Another study showed that nearly seven percent of newborns in Utah tested positive
for one or more of the harmful substances.
“The misuse of controlled substances during pregnancy can have various effects on
the child, including birth defects, preterm delivery, NAS [neonatal abstinence syndrome],
and stillbirth,” it says.
Drug use during pregnancy can also bring risks for the mother. From 2015-16, substance
use disorders were the leading cause of pregnancy associated deaths in Utah, in 18
out of 40 cases.
Research has also shown substance abuse disorders are not just a problem in larger
cities. The rural area covered by the Southeast Utah Local Health District had the
highest rate in the state of overdose deaths from 2014-16, at nearly 29 per 100,000
population.
Traumatic events, particularly adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), are “strongly
related to the development and prevalence of a wide range of health problems throughout
a person’s lifespan, including those related to substance misuse,” according to the
snapshot.
Utahns generally rate low in the use of illicit drugs, but are above the national
average for the misuse of prescription drugs.
“Utah ranked 43rdout of 51 — only eight states have higher misuse of prescription
drugs than Utah,” it says. The report includes Washington, D.C.
There is good news, however. The Utah Coalition for Opioid Overdose Prevention has
created a public awareness campaign, “Stop the Opidemic,” to prevent SUD and educate
individuals how to recognize and support loved ones who experience addiction. Other
goals focus on the way opioids are prescribed in the state.
The UWLP encourages coordinated efforts from public agencies, health professionals,
and government advocates, along with individuals and families, to combat the epidemic.
“Progress is being made. Utah is one of 19 states that showed a decrease in the rate
of overdose deaths in the 12 months ending in March 2018,” it says.
About Utah Valley University
At nearly 40,000 students and growing, Utah Valley University is the largest public
university in the state of Utah, and one of a few in the nation offering a model that
combines the rigor and richness of a first-rate teaching university with the openness
and vocational programs of a community college. UVU’s unique model, which focuses
on student success, engaged learning, rigorous academic programs, and faculty-mentored
research, is transforming higher education by making it more affordable and accessible
to students of all backgrounds.
University Marketing &Communications:
Scott Trotter
801-863-6807 | [email protected]
Barb Smith
801-863-5274 | [email protected]
Utah Women & Leadership Project
Susan Madsen
[email protected]
801-863-6176
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