What You Should Know About Gender Differences In Substance Use Disorders Near Philadelphia
People with substance use disorders (SUDs) have urges to use addictive substances like drugs and alcohol. This mental disorder is found in both men and women, but are there differences in how the two genders undergo SUDs? The most recent studies say “Yes.”
Recognizing the gender differences in substance use disorders near Philadelphia can help you figure out when a loved one -- man or woman -- requires addiction treatment. It also helps addiction treatment facilities, like Beacon Point Recovery Center, know how to treat patients. If you haven’t contemplated how substance use disorders affect women and men before, examine the following facts.
Do Women And Men Have The Same Symptoms Of SUD?
Men and women generally display the same symptoms of SUD. These include:
- Feeling urges to take an addictive substance every day or multiple times a day
- Experiencing overwhelming urges to use that become more important than other activities and needs
- Needing larger amounts of a substance to get the same effect
- Struggling to control how much or how often you use
- Spending more money than you can afford on alcohol or drugs
- Making a priority of acquiring more of a substance over other responsibilities
- Failing to fulfill responsibilities because of alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from people close to you and social activities so you may use
- Continuing to use the substance even if you see it’s the source of your problems
- Engaging in risky or illicit endeavors to find or take the substance
- Falling into withdrawal if you try to halt use
- You fail in every attempt to quit using
However, addictive substances affect female bodies more quickly, so a substance use disorder advances faster in women. Women, therefore, are more likely to encounter severe symptoms before inquiring about support.
What Are Some Noteworthy Differences In Substance Use Disorders Between Women And Men?
Per new studies about substance use, men will experience substance use disorders differently than women. For example:
- Men are more prone to use illicit drugs or misuse prescription drugs.
- Women are more apt to misuse doctor-ordered opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety meds, and sleep aids.
- Men have higher rates of dependence for alcohol and drugs.
- Death rates for women with alcohol use disorders are 50 to 100 percent higher than men.
- Men and women are equally likely to develop a substance use disorder.
Although men are more prone to take illegal substances, women are more apt to misuse prescriptions. This may be due to the fact that women are more willing to seek treatment for anxiety, pain, and sleep disorders. And although more men use dependency-causing alcohol and drugs in general, female anatomy puts women at greater risk for fatal diseases prompted by substance use. But it’s important to remember that everyone who uses addictive drugs or alcohol has an equal chance of experiencing a substance use disorder, and any SUD can be life-altering or even deadly.
Do Men And Women Pursue Addiction Treatment At The Same Rate?
One notable gender difference in substance use disorders near Philadelphia involves treatment. More men seek addiction care than women. Women are frequently main caregivers and might not have an individual to look after their loved ones if they begin treatment. They may be scared of losing their children if they reveal their addiction. Men have a decreased probability of having caregiving obligations that prevent them from seeking residential care.
When they begin treatment, lasting recovery is difficult for everyone. But, men have a better chance of attaining it since they are less inclined to relapse. Women relapse at higher rates as they are more inclined to experience a severe addiction or co-occurring disorders that inhibit recovery. They might also have trouble finding addiction programs that personalize treatment to their specific requirements.
These details should not dissuade any individual from getting treatment. Knowing these facts helps addiction recovery centers, family members, and society in general better comprehend how to assist those experiencing SUDs. If you need help overcoming substance addiction, reach out to a local, reputable treatment center today.
Discover Treatment That Recognizes Gender And Addiction Near Philadelphia
Women and men have differing needs during SUD treatment. Beacon Point Recovery Center always tailors our services to your exact requirements. If you are looking for a hospitable place to stay and progress toward addiction recovery, phone us at 267-715-9624 or fill out the contact form on this page. We answer immediately, night or day. Get in touch now; we’re here to help.