on chemical dependency focusing on women, alcohol and drugs: DEPENDENCY You can break out of chemical dependency with sensitive help. Although your dependency is similar in many ways to men's, there are more cultural prohibitions against your drug abuse.

As a woman, your dependency problem may be judged more harshly by others.

Because of this, you're more likely to feel ashamed about your drug abuse and you may go to great lengths to hide it. You're also more physically vulnerable than men to chemical dependency -- you may develop alcohol liver disease more readily.

You're likely to have gynaecological and obstetrical problems including infertility, miscarriage, and an increased risk of birth defects. You may also have special blocks to recovery -- you may fear that if you seek help you'll be left alone or lose your children.

CODEPENDENCY Women are more likely than men to be codependents. In codependency, you come to depend on being needed by a chemically dependent person. You become the "rescuer'' and attempt to save the abuser.

You often cover for him by lying or making excuses. By shielding him from the full weight of his dependency, you enable the abuse to continue and discourage his seeking help.

You may unsuccessfully try to control his behaviour with counselling or by removing his drugs. In some cases, your co-dependent relationship is so important to you that you tolerate physical abuse.

The codependent relationship is mutually destructive. The abuser doesn't seek help and you feel like a failure. Fortunately, help is available and recovery is possible.

RECOVERY Substance abuse treatment programmes that are sensitive to the needs of women are increasingly available. The aim of these programmes is empowerment -- enabling you to overcome your sense of helplessness.

Often in addition to substance abuse counselling, these programmes offer training that can help you learn to help yourself.

If you're recovering from chemical dependency or codependency you may have additional needs -- childcare, legal aid, financial assistance, or vocational training.

You may need emergency shelter. More treatment programmes now offer these support services or can refer you to other programmes offering the services.

With help, your recovery and freedom from codependency and chemical dependency is possible.

DRUGS DGS