Addiction in Men vs. Women: What the Data Shows

Discover addiction differences between men and women. Dive into the data to understand substance misuse and treatment disparities.

Leora B.H. Staff

July 17, 2024

Understanding Addiction Differences

When it comes to addiction, there are notable differences between men and women in terms of substance use disorder statistics and the impacts of substance abuse.

Substance Use Disorder Statistics

Men are more likely to abuse illicit drugs and alcohol, with 11.5% of boys and men over the age of 12 having a substance use disorder, compared to 6.4% of women and girls. This disparity is reflected in the higher rates of illicit drug use and alcohol dependence among men. However, it is important to note that women are just as likely as men to develop a substance use disorder. The prevalence of substance use disorders varies depending on the specific substance and age group.

Impacts of Substance Abuse

While men may have higher rates of substance use disorders, women often face more severe consequences from substance abuse. For example, women are more likely to go to the emergency room or fatally overdose due to substance abuse [2]. The rate of opioid-related deaths among women has been increasing at a higher rate compared to men, with a 596% increase between 1999 and 2016, while deaths among men increased by 312% during the same period.

When it comes to alcohol dependence, women are more likely to develop a dependence at lower drinking levels than men. Among individuals with an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), the rate of death is 50% to 100% higher for women than men, including suicide, alcohol-related accidents, heart and liver disease, and stroke [2]. Women also tend to experience a more rapid escalation from substance use initiation to the development of substance use disorders, leading to more severe medical, behavioral, psychological, and social problems compared to men.

Understanding the differences in substance use disorder statistics and the impacts of substance abuse between men and women is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. It is important to consider various factors such as heredity, environment, and individual circumstances when addressing addiction in both men and women. For more information on preventing relapse and counseling techniques that aid addiction recovery, visit our articles on preventing relapse: proven strategies and counseling techniques that aid addiction recovery.

Substance Abuse by Gender

When it comes to substance abuse, there are notable differences between men and women. Men are more likely to engage in drug and alcohol misuse, while women face unique challenges, including prescription drug misuse. Let's explore these differences in more detail.

Drug and Alcohol Misuse in Men

Statistics show that men are more likely to abuse illicit drugs and alcohol compared to women. According to Addiction Center, 11.5% of boys and men over the age of 12 have a substance use disorder, while the rate for women and girls is 6.4%. Men may be more prone to engaging in risky behaviors and seeking thrills, which can contribute to higher rates of substance abuse.

It's important to note that substance abuse among men can have severe consequences. Substance abuse often leads to negative impacts on physical and mental health, strained relationships, and legal issues. Seeking professional help and support is crucial for men who are struggling with drug and alcohol misuse. For information on counseling techniques that aid addiction recovery, refer to our article on counseling techniques that aid addiction recovery.

Prescription Drug Misuse in Women

While men may have higher rates of overall substance abuse, women face specific challenges related to prescription drug misuse. According to Addiction Center, women are more likely to misuse all types of prescription opioids and stimulants compared to boys of the same age between 12 and 17 years old.

Women may turn to prescription drugs as a means of self-treatment for other issues such as anxiety or tension. It's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with prescription drug misuse, as it can lead to addiction, physical health problems, and even fatal overdoses. For information on preventing relapse and proven strategies, take a look at our article on preventing relapse: proven strategies.

To address the specific needs of women struggling with prescription drug misuse, it is crucial to provide tailored treatment approaches that consider the underlying factors contributing to substance abuse. Supportive counseling, access to medical care, and comprehensive treatment programs can greatly benefit women seeking to overcome prescription drug misuse.

Understanding the differences in substance abuse patterns between men and women is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. By recognizing these disparities and providing targeted support, we can help individuals of all genders overcome addiction and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Opioid Abuse Gender Disparities

When it comes to opioid abuse, there are notable differences between men and women. Understanding these disparities is crucial for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies. In this section, we will explore two key aspects: opioid overdose rates and opioid-related deaths.

Opioid Overdose Rates

Historically, men have had higher rates of opioid overdose compared to women. In 2016, approximately 27 men died per day from prescription opioid overdose, compared to 19 women per day. However, it is important to note that the rate of opioid-related deaths among women has been rising significantly. Between 1999 and 2016, deaths among women increased by a staggering 596%, while deaths among men increased by 312%.

Opioid-Related Deaths

The data on opioid-related deaths further highlights the gender disparities. In 2016, 7,109 women and 9,978 men died from prescription opioid overdose. It is concerning to note that deaths from prescription opioid overdoses increased more rapidly for women than for men from 1999 to 2016 [1].

The reasons behind these disparities are complex. Some research suggests that women may be more likely to misuse prescription opioids to self-treat other problems such as anxiety or tension. Additionally, women are more likely to have chronic pain and be prescribed opioids, which could contribute to the higher rates of opioid prescriptions among women of reproductive age. It is also worth noting that women tend to develop a dependence on opioids faster due to a heightened dopamine response in the brain, despite a higher prevalence of opioid misuse among men.

Addressing the opioid abuse gender disparities requires a comprehensive approach that considers the unique factors influencing men and women. Prevention efforts should focus on educating healthcare providers about appropriate prescribing practices for women and addressing the underlying issues that may lead women to misuse prescription opioids. Treatment programs need to be tailored to meet the specific needs of women, taking into account the higher severity of medical, behavioral, psychological, and social problems often observed in women seeking help.

By understanding these gender disparities in opioid abuse, we can work towards implementing effective strategies to prevent opioid-related harms and improve treatment outcomes for both men and women.

Alcohol Dependence Variances

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects both men and women, but there are notable variances in how it manifests and impacts each gender. Understanding these differences is crucial in addressing the specific needs of individuals seeking treatment for alcohol-related issues. Let's explore the variances in alcohol use disorder between women and men.

Alcohol Use Disorder in Women

Women are more likely to develop a dependence on alcohol at lower drinking levels than men. Even if they have been drinking less alcohol or for a shorter period of time, women are more susceptible to alcohol-related diseases and damage [2]. Drinking over the long term is more likely to damage a woman's health than a man's, leading to a higher mortality rate for women with AUD compared to men. This includes deaths from suicides, alcohol-related accidents, heart disease, stroke, and liver disease.

It is important to note that women typically consume less alcohol than men when they drink, drink less frequently, and are less likely to develop alcohol-related problems. However, when women do develop substance abuse problems, they tend to develop them faster than men. Women seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder often face additional challenges, such as experiencing emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and having more severe depressive symptoms, physical health problems, and mental health issues compared to men seeking treatment.

Alcohol Use Disorder in Men

Men, on the other hand, may engage in higher levels of alcohol consumption and have a higher prevalence of alcohol misuse compared to women. However, they are less likely to develop alcohol-related diseases and damage at lower drinking levels. Men generally have a higher tolerance for alcohol due to physiological differences, such as higher levels of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which aids in the breakdown of alcohol in the body.

While men may have a lower risk of certain alcohol-related health problems, they are still susceptible to the negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. It is crucial to address alcohol abuse and dependency in men to prevent the potential long-term health effects associated with heavy drinking.

Treatment Outcomes Comparison

Despite the differences in alcohol use disorder between women and men, treatment outcomes have shown promising results for both genders. Women who complete treatment for alcohol use disorder have been found to be nine times more likely to achieve abstinence compared to those who do not complete treatment. Similarly, men who complete treatment are three times more likely to achieve abstinence compared to those who do not complete treatment. This suggests that completing treatment is particularly beneficial for women seeking recovery from alcohol use disorder.

By understanding the variances in alcohol use disorder between women and men, healthcare professionals can tailor treatment approaches to address the specific needs and challenges faced by each gender. It is crucial to provide comprehensive care that considers the unique factors influencing alcohol dependence in both women and men.

Marijuana and Stimulant Usage

The use of marijuana and stimulants can have distinct patterns and trends when comparing men and women. Understanding these differences is crucial in addressing the complexities of addiction. In this section, we will explore the prevalence of daily marijuana usage and the trends in stimulant misuse among men and women.

Daily Marijuana Usage

According to Addiction Center, men are almost three times as likely as women to smoke marijuana on a daily basis. However, it is important to note that both men and women show equal rates of marijuana treatment admissions. Additionally, both groups equally suffer from at least one other mental health issue.

Research conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reveals that the effects of marijuana can differ between men and women. For instance, marijuana may impair spatial memory to a greater extent in women compared to men. Moreover, teenage girls who use marijuana may have a higher risk of brain structural abnormalities associated with regular marijuana exposure than teenage boys. These findings highlight the importance of understanding how gender can influence the impact of marijuana use.

Stimulant Misuse Trends

When it comes to stimulant misuse, women may exhibit certain vulnerabilities and differences compared to men. Research from NIDA suggests that women may be more susceptible to the reinforcing effects of stimulants, potentially due to factors such as estrogen sensitivity. In animal studies, females have shown a quicker initiation of cocaine use and consumed greater quantities compared to males. Women may also be more responsive to the cardiovascular effects of cocaine, indicating a higher risk in this regard.

Additionally, both male and female cocaine users experience similar deficits in learning, concentration, and academic achievement, despite the duration of use. This underscores the need for targeted interventions and support for individuals of all genders who struggle with stimulant misuse.

Moreover, when it comes to methamphetamine use, women tend to initiate usage at an earlier age than men. Female users also demonstrate a higher level of dependence on methamphetamine compared to their male counterparts. Women are less likely to switch to another substance when they lack access to methamphetamine, which may contribute to the challenges of recovery. However, women generally show greater receptiveness to methamphetamine treatment than men, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches for addressing substance misuse in different genders.

By understanding the patterns of marijuana and stimulant usage in men and women, healthcare professionals can develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies. Recognizing the unique vulnerabilities and risks associated with substance misuse based on gender is crucial in providing targeted support and interventions. By addressing these gender-specific factors, we can work towards reducing the impact of addiction on individuals and communities.

Seeking Treatment Disparities

When it comes to seeking treatment for addiction, there are notable disparities between men and women. These disparities can be influenced by various factors, including social, cultural, and personal considerations. In this section, we will explore the differences in help-seeking behavior between men and women and compare the treatment outcomes for each gender.

Differences in Help-Seeking

One of the significant challenges faced by women in seeking addiction treatment is the balancing act between their responsibilities at home and their own well-being. Many women who are pregnant or have young children may not seek treatment or drop out early due to challenges in taking care of their children, fear of losing custody, and the overwhelming burden of balancing work, home care, child care, and treatment attendance. Additionally, women seeking treatment for alcohol or other drug problems may face more severe problems, lower education levels, lower incomes, and have experienced emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.

On the other hand, men may face unique barriers to seeking help for addiction as well. Stigma surrounding mental health and seeking treatment can deter men from reaching out for assistance. Concerns about the negative impacts on their job and community opinions may prevent them from seeking the help they need.

Treatment Outcomes Comparison

Despite concerns that women would fare worse than men in substance abuse treatment outcomes, current evidence suggests that women's outcomes are as good as, or better than, men's outcomes. For example, women who completed treatment were nine times more likely to be abstinent than women who did not complete treatment, whereas men who completed treatment were only three times more likely to be abstinent than men who did not complete treatment. Women are also less likely than men to relapse overall and tend to have better long-term recovery outcomes. They are more likely to relapse in the presence of a romantic partner and are less likely to relapse when alone. Women also report interpersonal problems before relapse.

It is essential to address the unique needs and challenges faced by both men and women when designing and implementing addiction treatment programs. Providing comprehensive support that considers the specific circumstances of each gender can contribute to better treatment outcomes and long-term recovery. Counseling techniques that aid addiction recovery, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, can be tailored to address the needs of men and women.

By understanding the differences in help-seeking behavior and treatment outcomes between men and women, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and effective addiction treatment system. Breaking down the barriers and stigma associated with seeking help is crucial in ensuring that individuals, regardless of gender, can access the support they need to overcome addiction and lead healthier lives.