my discussion of the problems of women and prescription drug abuse. We need to view the difficulties experienced by individual women in a broader social and political perspective which will allow us to examine the reasons why this condition exists. What is needed at this point is a framework in which to examine these issues, move towards a clear definition of the problem(s), and work creatively to find solutions. I think this framework can be developed by looking at current public policy relating to drug abuse, and health care generally, and then proposing alternatives to current policies. First, it must be recognized that this problem of prescription drug abuse is directly related to the status of women in our society. As long as women are viewed and treated as second-class citizens, we will be prime targets for many disabling emotional and physical problems, including the abuse of drugs prescribed for us by, primarily, male caretakers. Policy and programming at all levels reflect this sexist bias of our society, in everything from lack of awareness of the problem, to unavailability of appropriate treatment services for women. Even the fact that female prescription drug users are referred to as hidden abusers reflects to some degree the hypocritical attitude of our culture toward women. We are expected to be models of propriety and uphold the moral fiber of the culture; yet without the personal, social, and economic supports that are more easily available to men, the pressures are ov6rwhelming. But we dare not admit it, for that would be reinforcing society's view of us as weak/passive/dependent, something we feel we must prove that we are not. The problems experienced by black, brown, and Asian women; poor women, gay women, and disabled women in dealing with stereotypes and biases of the majority culture are an overwhelming barrier to full participation in this society, rendering them perhaps even more vulnerable to developing a substance abuse problem. In terms of policy in the drug abuse field, there are a number of issues that we need to critically examine. The first is the tendency of current policy and programming to focus only on symptoms-the highly visible signs of drug use/abuse by individuals. The physical dependence on tranquilizers, the shakes, and irritability from diet pills: these are not the full scope of the problem. To see it as such leads to a view of the individual woman as weak and diseased; it promotes the development of treatment methods that are unrealistic and inappropriate; and it focuses attention on only a piece of the person, rather than the whole person. This symptomatic approach has historically characterized the drug abuse field and has contributed to the inordinate amount of attention and resources given to the her-