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Guides

Our guides offer practical advice for women who use alcohol and other drugs, and for the people who care about them. Each guide is short, straightforward, and shaped by real women’s experiences.

Close-up of a young woman taking a tablet outdoors, to illustrate information about drug use and women’s bodies.

How drugs affect women’s bodies

Harm reduction is about having the knowledge to make safer choices. Understanding how drugs might affect your body can help you recognise risks and make informed decisions.

A young woman in a white sleeveless top and blue checked pyjama bottoms sitting indoors with a hot water bottle pressed to her stomach, a common way to relieve period cramps.

Menstrual cycle & drug use

Across your menstrual cycle, you’re likely to experience cravings, different sensitivities to drug use, withdrawal and relapse, and changes in your mood and emotions. Understanding your cycle is important when thinking about how you use drugs and alcohol.

A woman with short hair and glasses crouching between two English bulldogs in an outdoor setting, with trees and buildings out of focus in the background.

Drugs during the menopause

For a long time, stigma has made it difficult to talk openly about menopause and perimenopause. Learning about our changing bodies empowers us to make informed decisions about the support we need.

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