Understanding the Differences Between Men and Women in Addiction

Understanding the Differences Between Men and Women in Addiction

In the past, research only looked at how men were affected by addiction.

Unfortunately, this medical bias didn't recognize substance use in women is a different type of disorder.

However, in the 1990s women started being included in these studies.

Now researchers recognize there are numerous differences between men and women who have this disorder.

Addiction Therapists in Colorado

Barbra Styles, LPC, LAC

Barbra Styles, LPC, LAC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 345-2424
Mallory Heise, LPC, LAC

Mallory Heise, LPC, LAC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 602-1342
Jenifer Seas, LCSW

Jenifer Seas, LCSW

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 452-4374
Laura Brinkman, MA, LPCC

Laura Brinkman, MA, LPCC

Aurora, Colorado
(720) 449-4121
Bethany Cantrell, LPCC

Bethany Cantrell, LPCC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 602-1342
Kelsey Maestas, LPCC

Kelsey Maestas, LPCC

Pueblo, Colorado
(719) 696-3439
Bonna Machlan, Ph.D., LPC, CAS

Bonna Machlan, Ph.D., LPC, CAS

Colorado
(719) 452-4374
Zachary Peterson, LCSW

Zachary Peterson, LCSW

Colorado
(720) 449-4121
​Randal Thomas, SWC

​Randal Thomas, SWC

Colorado Springs, Colorado
(719) 345-2424
Marie Whatley LPCC

Marie Whatley LPCC

Colorado
(719) 345-2424

Sex and Gender

Part of why substance use in women is different from that in men has to do with sex (biology) and gender (culturally defined roles).

According to researchers, women struggle with substance abuse mainly due to their biological makeup (e.g., hormones, menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause).

Women themselves say that their primary reasons for addiction have to do with self-medicating for things like controlling weight, fighting exhaustion, coping with pain, and managing mental health issues.

Susceptibility

Researchers have found that men are more likely to become addicts.

Their substance abuse stems either from their desire to be a part of the group or from peer pressure.

Substance use in women begins with their desire to self-medicate.

From there their use of illicit substances quickly spirals into addiction.

Mental Health Issues

Substance use in women is likelier to occur when they're victims of domestic violence.

Family issues (e.g., divorce, loss of child custody, death of a partner or child) also trigger substance use in women.

Overall men aren't as likely to self-medicate for these types of mental health issues.

As an additional note here, it's unfortunate that women have chosen to self-medicate in this way.

Typically, it makes the situation worse as they'll then start suffering from things like panic attacks, anxiety, and depression.

Recovery

Although men get addicted to lower doses of substances than women they still experience more intense withdrawal symptoms.

However, when substance use in women occurs, women are likelier to suffer from its side effects (e.g., liver damage).

Not only do they experience more physical effects on their heart and blood vessels, but they're also more likely to overdose.

Risk of Relapse

Men are fortunate in that they're less likely to relapse.

This is something research has discovered when looking at how long men can abstain from using their substance of choice.

However, women respond to substances differently.

They tend to experience intense cravings which is why they're more likely to relapse.

Other Reasons Why Substance Use in Women is Different From Men

There are other reasons why substance use in women is different from that in men.

However, researchers have discovered that the differences in substance use in women versus men have a lot to do with the fact that women respond differently to substances.

Researchers believe that this is because of their hormones, but brain chemistry also plays a role here.

Drugs are known to change a woman's brain in a different way making drugs like cocaine more potent for the women who use them. 

Conclusion

Despite the differences in substance use in women and men, the truth still remains that recovery will save your life.

If the cost of addiction has become unbearable, we want you to know that we're here for you.

At Overcomers Counseling we want to work with you so that you can have a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Resources 

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-DetTabs-2016/NSDUH-DetTabs-2016.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4539872/ https://# (resource links here)

×
Stay Informed

When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.

What to Look for in an Addiction Counselor
How to Manage the Stigma of Addiction

Related Posts

 

Comments

No comments made yet. Be the first to submit a comment
Already Registered? Login Here
September 22nd, 2023

overcomers counseling logo

Many of us are often faced with struggles and hardships and finding help can be difficult. However, at Overcomers Counseling, we are here to help you in your time of need. We are passionate about people and we believe that ANYONE can be an overcomer if they are willing to pursue it.  Don't let another day go by without getting the help you desire.

(719) 345-2424 office
(855) 719-2549 fax
5585 Erindale Dr. Ste 204 Colorado Springs, CO 80918 mailing

Support Team Hours

 Sunday   Closed
 Monday   8:00am - 5:00pm
 Tuesday   8:00am - 5:00pm
 Wednesday    8:00am - 5:00pm
 Thursday   8:00am - 5:00pm
 Friday   8:00am - 5:00pm
 Saturday  Closed