Numerous factors, including psychological health, environment, and genetics, influence drug and alcohol addiction. Gender plays a critical role in the manifestation and treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) in men and women. While both men and women are at risk of addiction, the way it manifests, in terms of biological, hormonal, and social factors, differs significantly.
Understanding Gender-Related Differences In Substance Abuse
Studies show that men are more likely to use different types of illicit drugs than women. Illegal drug use among men is more likely to lead to emergency room visits and overdose deaths than among women. While men have higher rates of substance use, women are just as likely to develop a substance use disorder (SUD) as men.
Women and men often use drugs and alcohol for different reasons, which also contributes to dissimilar behaviors and responses while under the influence. Gender differences in terms of addiction and substance abuse are attributed to biological, social, and environmental factors.
Different Factors Influencing Addiction Risk in Men and Women
Biological factors play a significant role in shaping addiction and substance abuse risk. Men and women experience distinct physical responses to drugs and alcohol based on differences in brain chemistry, body composition, and metabolism.
Psychological factors, particularly the prevalence of co-occurring disorders, also contribute to addiction risk in different genders. Women and men may turn to substances for unique reasons, such as coping mechanisms or peer pressure, which contribute to varying journeys toward dependence development.
Environmental and social factors vary between women and men, including peer influence, substance access, and cultural expectations. Each one of these factors shapes the risk of addiction and use disorders (SUDs) among men and women.
Hormonal Differences and Addiction Vulnerability
Hormonal fluctuations significantly influence women’s vulnerability to substance abuse and addiction. Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, can heighten sensitivity to the rewarding effects of drugs and alcohol.
Substances like nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, and opioids may trigger more intense cravings in women than in men. Some studies show that hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle may contribute to addiction behavior and substance abuse, making it harder to quit using or drinking.
Men are naturally less influenced by hormonal cycles than women are but can face different biological challenges. Due to greater muscle mass and less body fat, men tend to metabolize drugs and alcohol quicker than women do. This fast metabolism often leads them to consume higher quantities without experiencing the immediate effects of the substance. Men having a higher alcohol or drug tolerance can result in chronic and excessive substance use, increasing their risk of dependence and addiction.
Brain Structure and Function
Women have higher reactivity to stress-related triggers for drug and alcohol use, while men may experience more substantial social and environmental effects. For example, women’s sensitivity to stress can make them more susceptible to cravings, addiction, and relapse. The brain’s reward center also functions differently between men and women, contributing to distinct pathways toward substance dependence.
Mental Health Disorders in Men and Women
Women are three times more likely to experience mental health disorders than men are. These mental health conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, men’s mental health issues are often underreported and left untreated as a result of stigma and shame.
Mental illness is a significant risk factor for drug and alcohol abuse as a form of self-medication. Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women and are more likely to experience aggression or violence.
Different Coping Mechanisms
Untreated mental health issues in men and women can lead to the development of unhealthy coping mechanisms. Using alcohol or drug use to cope with stress and mental health issues increases addiction risk in both genders.
Women are more likely to resort to alcohol or prescription medications like anti-anxiety medications, benzodiazepines, or CNS depressants to manage emotional pain, stress, or trauma. Men, on the other hand, engage in more externalizing behavior, using illicit drugs or alcohol to cope with anger, anxiety, or inadequacy.
Societal Pressures and Norms
Men are more susceptible to partaking in risky behaviors as they feel the pressure to affirm their masculinity. These risk-taking behaviors may include excessive alcohol consumption or illicit drug use in social situations where it is encouraged or normalized.
Women struggling with alcohol or drug addiction report using substances to cope with relationship struggles, work-life balance, or caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, women may face more stigma and backlash when struggling with addiction, deterring them from seeking support and treatment.
Access to Substances
Due to their participation in higher-risk environments, men often have greater access to alcohol and illicit substances. These environments, such as parties, bars, or occupations with a culture of substance use, can pressure men into trying illicit drugs or overconsumption of alcohol to prove their masculinity.
Women’s access to substances often comes through more controlled settings like prescription medications, influencing misuse and drug dependency. Research shows that women are more likely to abuse prescription opioids to self-medicate for anxiety or other mental health problems. This accessibility can contribute to exacerbated mental health issues and addiction risk among women.
Gender-Specific Trauma and Abuse
Both women and men who have experienced trauma or abuse are at higher risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD). The nature of trauma can differ by gender, such as sexual abuse or physical violence, which can influence the development of an alcohol or drug addiction.
Women are more susceptible to experiencing domestic violence or sexual trauma, which can lead to substance abuse as a form of self-medication. Men, however, may experience combat trauma, high-risk environments, or physical violence that contributes to their addiction risk. Regardless of gender, any form of psychological, physical, or environmental trauma is a significant risk factor for addiction and substance use disorder (SUD).
Relapse Triggers in Women and Men
Relapse triggers vary between men and women struggling with addiction. The reasons behind relapse for women are often associated with mental health issues like depression, romantic relationships, or being separated from children.
Research shows women are more likely to relapse among romantic partners, whereas men tend to relapse among same-sex friends. Relapse triggers for men usually include living alone, social and environmental pressures, and positive mood states while using.
The Importance of Gender-Specific Addiction Treatment
While men are more likely to engage in chronic alcohol consumption or illicit drug use, both genders are at risk for developing an addiction. Understanding the gender-specific differences in addiction development and risk contributes to more effective prevention strategies and treatment approaches.
Treating women with addiction will often require a stronger focus on treating underlying mental health conditions and hormonal fluctuations. Addiction treatment for men may concentrate on addressing risky behaviors and social pressures or expectations that contribute to their substance use.
At Coastal Detox, our drug and alcohol detox programs in Stuart, FL, are individualized to meet the needs of each patient. Our addiction specialists understand the gender differences in substance abuse and employ gender-specific treatments for holistic and long-term recovery.
Contact us today for 24/7 drug detox in South Florida.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020. Sex and Gender Differences in Substance Use.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2018. Understanding Drug Use and Addiction Drug Facts.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020. Substance Use in Women Research Report: Summary.
- BioMedicine, 2021. Hormones can influence drug addiction: A narrative review.
- Clinics and Practice, 2024. The Role of Estrogen Signaling and Exercise in Drug Abuse: A Review.
- Mental Health Foundation. Men and women: statistics.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020. Sex and Gender Differences in Substance Use Disorder Treatment.
- European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 2021. Gender differences in a wide range of trauma symptoms after victimization and accidental traumas: a cross-sectional study in a clinical setting.
- PubMed, 1996. Gender differences in relapse situations.