Background - In France, women who use drugs are primarily studied in the context of pregnancy and the effects of maternal drug use on the unborn child. Few French studies have focused on examining the profiles and practices of women who use drugs. Between 2004 and 2007, the Coquelicot survey provided a description of these women’s profiles, the situations of risk regarding HIV, HBV, and HCV to which they are exposed during drug use, and an understanding of the context of risk-taking, taking into account gender-specific factors. Method - The Coquelicot survey is a cross-sectional, multi-city epidemiological study (Lille, Strasbourg, Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille) conducted among 1,462 drug users who had snorted or injected drugs at least once in their lives. A complementary socio-anthropological component was conducted among 99 users. Results - Women use more crack/free-base, morphine sulfates, and solvents than men and report more risky behaviors overall. The interviews highlight the central role of the sexual partner in the context of initiation and in women’s consumption trajectories, as well as protection strategies that differ depending on the sharing partner. Discussion-Conclusion - Risk prevention among female drug users must go beyond a simple individual approach, incorporating the couple dimension, and more broadly, the social dimension of male-female relationships. (R.A.)