What To Know About Gender Differences In Substance Use Disorders In New Jersey
All people with substance use disorders (SUDs) have compulsions to use mind-altering substances like drugs and alcohol. These mental disorders affect both men and women, but will the two genders go through SUDs in a different manner? The most recent research indicates “Yes.”
Appreciating the gender differences in substance use disorders in New Jersey can help you figure out when someone you care about -- male or female -- requires addiction treatment. It also helps addiction treatment facilities, like Evolve Recovery Center, know how to support patients. If you haven’t pondered how substance use disorders affect women and men before, examine the following facts.
Do Men And Women Have The Same Symptoms Of SUD?
Both genders usually display the same substance use disorder symptoms. These include:
- Feeling compelled to take a habit-forming substance each day or multiple times a day
- Experiencing intense compulsions to consume that take you away from other pastimes or obligations
- Depending on bigger quantities of a substance to experience the same effect
- Losing control over how often or how much you use
- Spending more money than you can afford on alcohol or drugs
- Prioritizing getting more of a substance over other obligations
- Being unable to fulfill responsibilities due to alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from loved ones and social activities so you may use
- Continuing to take the substance even when you are aware it is the source of your problems
- Engaging in dangerous or illegal pursuits to attain or take the substance
- Going into withdrawal if you try to stop using a substance
- You are unsuccessful in every attempt to stop using
Although, dependency-causing substances influence female individuals more speedily, so a substance use disorder advances quicker in women. Women, consequently, have a greater chance of encountering acute symptoms before seeking treatment.
What Are Some Noteworthy Differences In Substance Use Disorders Between Genders?
According to recent research about substance use, men do experience an SUD in a different manner than women. In general:
- Men are more likely to consume illegal drugs or misuse prescriptions.
- Women are more prone to misuse prescribed opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs, and sleeping pills.
- Men have higher rates of dependency for drugs and alcohol.
- Death rates among women with alcohol disorders are 50 to 100 percent higher than in men.
- Women and men are just as likely to develop a substance use disorder.
Even though men are more apt to take illicit substances, women are more prone to misuse prescribed drugs. This could be because women are more willing to get treatment for pain, sleep disorders, and anxiety. And although more men use addictive drugs and alcohol in general, female anatomy puts women at higher risk for fatal diseases prompted by substance use. But it’s critical to realize that everyone who ingests addictive alcohol or drugs has the same chance of developing a substance use disorder, and any SUD might be destructive or even deadly.
Do Men And Women Search For Addiction Treatment At Similar Rates?
One noteworthy gender difference in substance use disorders in New Jersey concerns treatment. More men pursue addiction treatment than women. Women are typically the chief caregivers and may not have someone to look after their families if they enter treatment. They may be afraid of losing their little ones if they divulge their substance use disorder. Men are not as likely to have caregiving obligations that prevent them from seeking residential care services.
When they start treatment, enduring recovery is difficult for all. Despite this fact, men have a better shot of accomplishing it since they are not as likely to relapse. Women relapse at greater rates since they are more probable to experience a debilitating addiction or co-occurring disorders that block recovery. They might also struggle to find addiction centers that tailor treatment to their specific requirements.
None of this information should dissuade any person from seeking treatment. Knowing these facts helps addiction treatments facilities, loved ones, and communities gain a better understanding how to assist those experiencing SUDs. If you need assistance recovering from substance addiction, reach out to a local, trusted treatment center right away.
Find Treatment That Recognizes Gender And Addiction In New Jersey
Men and women have differing needs for SUD treatment. Evolve Recovery Center always personalizes our support to your unique requirements. If you are searching for a hospitable environment to stay and work on addiction recovery, phone us at 908-824-6433 or fill out the contact form on this page. We reply at once, night or day. Reach out now; we’re ready to help.