What You Should Know About Gender Differences In Substance Use Disorders Near Orlando
Individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) have urges to use dependency causing substances like alcohol or drugs. These mental disorders affect both men and women, but are there differences in the way the two genders undergo SUDs? The latest studies say “Yes.”
Recognizing the gender differences in substance use disorders near Orlando can help you determine when someone you care about -- female or male -- needs addiction treatment. It also helps addiction treatment centers, like Evolve Recovery Center Orlando, know how to support patients. If you haven’t contemplated how SUD influences men and women before, examine the following details.
Do Men And Women Have The Same Symptoms Of SUD?
Men and women generally experience the same symptoms of SUD. These include:
- Feeling urges to take a habit-forming substance each day or multiple times a day
- Getting acute compulsions to consume that distract you from other pastimes or obligations
- Requiring larger quantities of a substance to experience the same effect
- Losing control over how frequently or how much you use
- Spending more than you can afford on a substance
- Making a priority of obtaining more of a substance over other responsibilities
- Not fulfilling commitments due to alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from loved ones and social interactions in order to use
- Continuing to use the substance even when you know it is the source of your problems
- Participating in hazardous or unlawful activities to obtain or take the substance
- Going into withdrawal if you try to stop using a substance
- You are unsuccessful in any bid to stop using
But, habit-forming substances affect female bodies at a quicker rate, so a substance use disorder progresses faster in women. Women, consequently, are more likely to suffer severe symptoms before getting treatment.
What Are A Few Noteworthy Differences In Substance Use Disorders Between Genders?
Per new research about substance use, men experience an SUD differently than women. To illustrate:
- Men are more likely to take illicit drugs or misuse prescriptions.
- Women are more apt to misuse prescribed opioids, anti-anxiety meds, and sleeping pills.
- Men have elevated rates of dependence for alcohol and drugs.
- Fatality rates in women with alcohol use disorders are 50 to 100 percent higher than in men.
- Men and women are equally likely to develop a substance use disorder.
Even though men are more prone to consume illegal substances, women are more prone to misuse prescription drugs. This may be because women are more likely to get treatment for sleep disorders, pain, and anxiety. And while more men take dependency-causing alcohol and drugs generally speaking, female biology puts women at higher risk for fatal diseases caused by substance use. But it’s essential to note that everyone who ingests addiction-causing drugs or alcohol has the same chance of developing an SUD, and any SUD may be life-altering or even deadly.
Do Women And Men Pursue Addiction Treatment At Similar Rates?
One notable gender difference in substance use disorders near Orlando concerns treatment. More men pursue addiction treatment than women. Women are typically main caregivers and may not have a person to look after their loved ones if they begin treatment. They may be afraid of losing their young ones if they reveal their addiction. Men have a reduced possibility of having caregiving obligations that prevent them from seeking residential care.
When they begin treatment, enduring recovery is difficult for all. However, men have a better chance of reaching it as they are not as likely to relapse. Women relapse at increased rates as they are more probable to have a severe substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders that inhibit recovery. They could also have difficulty finding addiction facilities that personalize treatment to their unique needs.
This discussion should not dissuade any individual from seeking treatment. Knowing these insights helps addiction recovery centers, family members, and society as a whole gain a better understanding how to assist those working through SUDs. If you need help overcoming substance addiction, call a local, reputable treatment center today.
Discover Treatment That Knows About Gender And Addiction Near Orlando
Men and women have differing needs for SUD treatment. Evolve Recovery Center Orlando always customizes our support to your exact situation. If you seek a hospitable environment to stay and work on addiction recovery, phone us at 407-305-3458 or fill out the contact form on this page. We reply right away, night or day. Get in touch now; we’re standing by to help.