What percentage of women use cocaine?

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Last updated: June 14, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Approximately 0.4% of females in the United States have used cocaine in the past year, according to the 2002 to 2003 calendar year data. This percentage is based on the data from the study published in Circulation in 2008 1. The study highlights that cocaine use is concentrated among select demographics, with individuals 18 to 25 years of age having the highest rate of cocaine use. Key points to consider include:

  • Males have more than twice the use rate of females, with 0.9% of males using cocaine compared to 0.4% of females 1.
  • Rates of cocaine use according to race are 1.1% for blacks, 0.9% for Hispanics, 0.5% for whites, and 0.1% for Asians 1.
  • The 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that 14% of people 12 years of age or older in the United States have tried cocaine at least once 1. It is essential to note that these statistics reflect only reported use, and actual numbers may differ due to underreporting. Understanding the patterns and demographics of cocaine use is crucial for developing targeted prevention and treatment programs that address the specific needs and circumstances of women who use cocaine.

From the Research

Prevalence of Cocaine Use Among Women

  • The prevalence of cocaine use among females in the United States was estimated to be approximately 2.4% 2.
  • This estimate is based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2005 to 2019, which included a sample of 295,751 females aged 15-44 years 2.
  • The study found that the prevalence of cocaine use among females increased between 2011 and 2019, with an annual percent change of 5.2% 2.

Trends in Cocaine Use

  • Trends in cocaine use among adults in the United States were examined using data from the NSDUH from 2006 to 2019 3.
  • The study found that the annual average estimated prevalence of past-year cocaine use among adults was highest in 2006-2007 (2.51%) and declined to 1.72% in 2010-2011, before increasing to 2.14% in 2018-2019 3.
  • Characteristics associated with higher adjusted odds of past-year cocaine use included male sex, younger age, Hispanic ethnicity, and use of other substances 3.

Treatment of Cocaine Use Disorder

  • Psychosocial treatments, such as contingency management and cognitive behavioral therapy, are commonly used to treat cocaine use disorder 4, 5, 6.
  • However, the effectiveness of these treatments can vary, and some studies have found that combination treatments may be more effective 5, 6.
  • Pharmacological agents, such as dopamine agonists and glutamatergic agents, are also being explored as potential treatments for cocaine use disorder 4.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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