Just as there are biological differences between men and women, substances and substance abuse are different for men and women. For years, research on addiction was done primarily with men. However, that has changed today, and the differences in substance abuse between men and women can be surprising. The accessibility to treatment is different as well, even though the gender differences are more widely known. Women also face specific problems that men do not, both during substance abuse and within treatment. Below are some of the primary differences.
Why Women Use Substances
Women are more likely to start using substances because of exposure by a family member or partner. Many women use substances to self-medicate symptoms of a mood disorder or because of trauma, such as domestic violence or sexual assault. A lower percentage of women use substances than men, and women are less likely to use substances for recreation or engage in risk-taking behaviors than men. However, women who use alcohol or drugs must be cautious as they are at very high risk for sexual assault, including date rape.
Preferred Substances for Women
Women often abuse prescription medications. They are likely to take medications for pain, as more women seem to suffer from chronic pain, making opioid pain medications more accessible. They are also more likely to abuse sleep medications and medications for anti-anxiety. Some women will abuse cocaine or methamphetamine because they can cause weight loss. Alcohol is less commonly abused by women but is still a drug of choice.
Female Rates of Addiction
Due to physical differences, some substances affect women more rapidly or intensely than men. Women often escalate their intake of substances more rapidly than men, too. Many women are more vulnerable to addiction and also become addicted to substances faster than men while using the same substances.
Co-occurring Disorders in Women
Women who abuse substances are more likely than men to have a co-occurring mood disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Eating disorders are another disorder that commonly occurs with women with a substance use disorder (SUD.)
Prevalence of PTSD in Women
The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women with SUD is alarming. One study on substance abuse in women cited a history of physical or sexual abuse amongst 55% to 99% of women seeking treatment for substance abuse. Most of these women also exhibited symptoms of PTSD. The rate of PTSD in those with a SUD can be up to five times higher than those who do not have an addiction.
Barriers to Treatment for Women
Women face many barriers to receiving treatment that men are much less likely to have. Some of the barriers that women face include:
- Lack of childcare or care for an elderly family member
- Pregnancy
- Parenting responsibilities, particularly as a single mother
- Domestic violence or threats from a partner
- Fear of losing custody of their children
- Lack of insurance or financial resources
With more barriers than opportunities for treatment, many women are less likely than men to access treatment for substance abuse.
Pregnancy Risks and Consequences
Women with SUD are at high risk for pregnancy or infection due to unsafe sex practices while under the influence. Once pregnant, a woman will be strongly encouraged to sober up for the baby, whether or not she is ready to make those changes. For this reason, some women avoid prenatal care, putting the baby at further risk for serious health conditions or even death via miscarriage or after being born. If a woman tests positive for substances while giving birth, she could lose custody of her baby until she has completed treatment for substance abuse and is in recovery.
Pregnancy and substance abuse create a complicated web of emotions and decisions that can be very difficult for a woman. While it may seem easy from the outside to stop using substances during pregnancy and breastfeeding so the mother can keep her baby, addiction is a powerful force to dismiss, even for the health and safety of your own child. The consequences of either choice can be emotionally devastating for the woman.
Women and Addiction
Addiction affects men and women differently. When looking at a treatment program for substance abuse, it is important to consider the accessibility and particular needs of women. While there are fewer women with SUDs than men, they often face significant mental and physical health challenges that men are much less likely to experience. There is also still a lot of work to be done to help women access the treatment that they need.
Women have different reasons they abuse substances and are more likely to have co-occurring mood or eating disorders, as well as trauma and PTSD. Women have to be careful when using substances because they are at high risk for sexual assault. Women also have the risk of pregnancy and all of the difficult choices that are included with potential childbearing. Accessing care is much more difficult for women because of family responsibilities, money, or domestic abuse. At Rancho Milagro Recovery, we work hard to meet the needs of every person, including the needs that differ with gender. We accept many types of major insurance so that finances are not a barrier to your treatment. Call us at (951) 526-4582 to find out more about our program. Our lovely ranch setting, complete with rescue animals, is the perfect place for you to begin your recovery. Find the spirit of healing and the power of possibility. Change your life today.
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Women face unique challenges in addiction and recovery. Call us today at (951) 526-4582 to find out about how we strive to meet the needs of all people.