
Generally, addiction works in the brain the same for everybody. However, gender tends to play a role in the frequency and severity of the addiction.
This article discusses binary genders and how addiction affects them differently.
Abusing drugs isn’t specific to one single-gender. There are significant gender differences in substance abuse, though. For example, men are more likely to use illegal substances resulting from an emergency room visit. This visit can be for injuries or the possibility of death.
That shouldn’t avert attention from the risk drugs pose to women, though. While women are just as likely as men to develop a substance use disorder, they are more susceptible to cravings and relapse. These two symptoms are critical phases in the addiction cycle.
Additionally, certain drugs react to the female body differently than men, making the path to recovery much more difficult. This, in turn, makes treatment different between men and women, so finding the right one to fit your needs is essential.
One drug that is more dangerous to men than women is alcohol. This means that men need to consider different factors as well.
Recovering from drug addiction is long and tedious, but the outcome is worth the road traveled. Call us at (918) 779-0011 to begin your healing process.
No matter how illegal substances affect your body, we are here to help. So, start the road to sobriety and find the treatment that is built for you.
Drug use in the United States has remained steady, especially among women. Who is more like to fall into substance abuse: Males or females? It depends on the drug being used.
Women’s addiction to alcohol has remained relatively low, with nearly half the number of men addicted. Instead, women have become more addicted to substances like heroin.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of women using heroin doubled between 2002 and 2013, twice the rate of men using the same drug.
Psychology Today has several reasons why women become more addicted to different drugs than men.
While each gender reacts differently to drugs, women have a higher chance of addiction due to biological and life influences. However, even though the female gender has a more addictive personality, this doesn’t mean men won’t become addicted.
Research conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that women react to drugs differently than men, leading to different obstacles between the two genders.
Both men and women abuse common drugs are cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, prescriptions, and alcohol.
While a treatment center should personalize your treatment, your gender will play a significant factor in how it is approached. For example, a commonly asked question is, why do females react differently to addictive substances?
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Excessive drinking is common among men, leading to short-term and long-term risks. These risks can range from drunk driving at high speeds to death.
The CDC has reported that alcohol consumption among men is much higher than among women.
This information is not to say that men can only become addicted to alcohol. Instead, the male body has different biological reasons for a slower addiction rate than women.
If not addressed, they can succumb to substance abuse disorder quickly. However, with the proper treatment, men and women can overcome addiction. Still, their treatments will vary from person to person, and gender will play a role.
It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female; drug abuse should be discussed and taken seriously.
Gender and addiction will influence the severity of symptoms and how well treatment goes.
Women have a higher chance of relapse and craving, but that doesn’t mean men are immune. Gender differences in substance abuse will vary but shouldn’t be ignored.
Knowing which drugs are more impactful to each gender is essential and how patients should approach the treatment is critical. However, it’s important to know which gender has more addictive personalities. Still, it shouldn’t change the reasoning for seeking treatment for yourself or a loved one.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance abuse disorder, get help and start recovery. Call us at (918) 779-0011 today to begin the path to sobriety.
Overcoming addiction is a challenge, and no matter whether you are male or female, you will need to work hard to be free from drug use. However, you have the strength to overcome your addiction, and with personalized treatment, you can.
[1] Sex and Gender Differences in Substance Use | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)
[2] Does Gender Matter When It Comes to Addiction Recovery? | Psychology Today
[3] Excessive Alcohol Use and Risks to Men’s Health | CDC
[4] How Do I Help My Addicted Daughter? – A Better Today Recovery Services (abtrs.com)
[5] Am I Drinking Too Much Alcohol? – Recover Today (abtrs.com)
Susana is an addiction and recovery life expert and has over 7 years of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction that nearly claimed her life. It's her number one goal to provide educational resources to help those who are struggling with addiction find their way out.
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