Learn About Gender Differences In Substance Use Disorders Near Boston
Individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) have urges to take addictive substances like drugs and alcohol. This mental disorder affects both men and women, but will the two genders endure SUDs differently? The most recent studies say “Yes.”
Appreciating the gender differences in substance use disorders near Boston can help you understand when someone you care about -- male or female -- needs addiction treatment. It also helps addiction treatment centers, like Sunrise Detox Millbury, know how to treat patients. If you haven’t pondered how SUD affects women and men before, examine the following details.
Do Both Genders Experience The Same SUD Symptoms?
Women and men generally experience the same symptoms of SUD. These include:
- Feeling compulsions to consume addictive substances each day or multiple times a day
- Having acute compulsions to use that take you away from other activities and needs
- Requiring larger doses of a substance to experience the desired effect
- Being unable to control the amount and frequency you use
- Spending more money than you can afford on drugs or alcohol
- Prioritizing acquiring substances over other commitments
- Being unable to fulfill commitments as a result of substance use
- Withdrawing from loved ones and social situations so you may use
- Continuing to consume the substance even though you know it is the source of your problems
- Partaking in hazardous or illegal endeavors to obtain or take the substance
- Going into withdrawal if you attempt to halt use
- You fail in any effort to quit
Although, dependency-causing substances impact female individuals more quickly, so a substance use disorder moves along faster in women. Women, therefore, have a greater chance of suffering serious symptoms before seeking treatment.
What Are Some Noteworthy Differences In Substance Use Disorders Between Genders?
According to new research about substance use, men do experience substance use disorders in a different manner than women. In general:
- Men are more apt to take illicit drugs or misuse prescription drugs.
- Women are more apt to misuse doctor-ordered opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs, and sleep aids.
- Men have higher rates of dependence for drugs and alcohol.
- Fatality rates for women with alcohol disorders are 50 to 100 percent higher than in men.
- Women and men are just as likely to have a substance use disorder.
Although men are more apt to use unlawful substances, women are more prone to misuse prescriptions. This could be due to the fact that women are more willing to seek treatment for anxiety, pain, and sleep disorders. And while more men consume addictive drugs and alcohol generally speaking, female biology puts women at greater risk for fatal diseases brought about by substance use. But it’s essential to remember that everyone who uses habit-forming drugs or alcohol has the same chance of developing an SUD, and any SUD might be devastating or even deadly.
Do Men And Women Search For Addiction Treatment At Similar Rates?
One notable gender difference in substance use disorders near Boston involves treatment. More men pursue addiction care than women. Women are typically the chief caregivers and may not have someone to attend to their loved ones if they start treatment. They might be scared of losing their little ones if they divulge their substance use disorder. Men have a decreased possibility of having caregiving duties that keep them out of residential care.
After they start treatment, lasting recovery is a challenge for all. However, men have a greater probability of accomplishing it since they are less inclined to relapse. Women relapse at increased rates as they are more likely to have an intense addiction or co-occurring disorders that inhibit recovery. They may also have difficulty finding addiction centers that personalize treatment to their exact needs.
None of this information should deter anyone from getting treatment. Understanding these facts helps addiction treatments facilities, family members, and society as a whole better understand how to help those experiencing SUDs. If you need help overcoming alcohol or drug addiction, reach out to a local, respected treatment provider right away.
Discover Treatment That Understands Gender And Addiction Near Boston
Men and women have different needs over the course of SUD treatment. Sunrise Detox Millbury always tailors our care to your exact situation. If you are looking for a hospitable place to stay and progress toward addiction recovery, call us at 508-506-8940 or fill out the contact form on this page. We respond right away, at all hours. Get in touch now; we’re ready to help.