Alcohol and Other Drug Use in Female Medical Students

Abstract

Three hundred eight women medical students were surveyed concerning alcohol and other drug use and abuse. At high risk for alcohol abuse were 18.2% of lesbians versus 4.2% of heterosexuals; at high risk for other drug abuse were 6.1% of lesbians versus 1.2% of heterosexuals. The top two drugs of choice for both lesbian and heterosexual medical students were amphetamines and barbiturates. The increased stress of homophobia is suggested as a contributing factor to the higher prevalence of alcohol and other drug abuse among lesbian medical students.