Noting important gender differences in addiction, a new book says that women become dependent on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs faster than men and suffer worse health effects as a result of their addictions, the Associated Press reported Feb. 9.

"Women Under the Influence," a new book published by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), concludes from a research review that women can get addicted at lower levels of drug consumption than men, and tend to suffer higher rates of lung cancer, cirrhosis, and brain damage as a result of smoking, drinking, and taking illicit drugs.

Susan Foster, Vice President and Director of Policy Research and Analysis at CASA, chided health professionals for not tailoring treatment and prevention for the specific needs of women.