What You Should Know About Gender Differences In Substance Use Disorders Near Palm Beach
All people with substance use disorders (SUDs) have compulsions to take addictive substances like alcohol or drugs. This mental disorder is found in both men and women, but will the two genders endure SUDs in a different manner? The latest research indicates “Yes.”
Appreciating the gender differences in substance use disorders near Palm Beach can help you determine when someone close to you -- man or woman -- needs addiction treatment. It also helps addiction treatment providers, like Sunrise Detox Palm Beach, know how to care for patients. If you haven’t thought about how substance use disorders impact men and women before, examine the following facts.
Do Men And Women Have The Same Symptoms Of SUD?
Men and women usually show the same SUD symptoms. These include:
- Feeling compelled to consume addictive substances daily or several times a day
- Having overwhelming urges to use that take you away from other needs and activities
- Needing increased doses of a substance to experience the wanted effect
- Losing control over the quantity and frequency you use
- Spending in excess of what you can afford on drugs or alcohol
- Prioritizing getting substances over other obligations
- Being unable to fulfill commitments as a result of alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from people close to you and social activities so you may use
- Continuing to take the substance even though you are aware it is causing you problems
- Participating in hazardous or illegal endeavors to obtain or use the substance
- Experiencing withdrawal if you make an effort to quit using
- Failing in each attempt to cease using
But, dependency-causing substances affect females more rapidly, so a substance use disorder moves along faster in women. Women, as a result, are more inclined to experience serious symptoms before seeking support.
What Are Some Notable Differences In Substance Use Disorders Between Women And Men?
As indicated by current research about substance use, men will experience an SUD in a different manner than women. For example:
- Men are more apt to consume illicit drugs or misuse prescription drugs.
- Women are more prone to misuse prescription opioids, anti-anxiety meds, and sleep aids.
- Men have elevated rates of dependency for drugs and alcohol.
- Death rates among women with alcohol use disorders are 50 to 100 percent higher than in men.
- Men and women are equally likely to have a substance use disorder.
Even though men are more likely to take unlawful substances, women are more likely to misuse prescribed drugs. This might be because women are more willing to seek treatment for pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. And even though more men take habit-forming drugs and alcohol generally speaking, female biology puts women at an elevated risk for deadly diseases brought about by substance use. But it’s essential to remember that everyone who takes addictive drugs or alcohol has a similar chance of encountering an SUD, and any SUD can be devastating or even fatal.
Do Men And Women Pursue Addiction Treatment At The Same Frequency?
One noteworthy gender difference in substance use disorders near Palm Beach concerns treatment. More men pursue addiction treatment than women. Women are typically primary caregivers and might not have someone to look after their family members if they start treatment. They also be scared of losing their little ones if they divulge their addiction. Men are less likely to have caregiving duties that prevent them from pursuing residential care.
Once they seek treatment, lasting recovery is a challenge for all people. However, men have a higher chance of attaining it as they are less likely to relapse. Women relapse at higher rates as they are more probable to experience a severe substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders that obstruct recovery. They might also have difficulty finding addiction centers that personalize treatment to their specific needs.
This discussion should not discourage anyone from getting treatment. Recognizing these facts helps addiction recovery centers, families, and society in general gain a better understanding how to help those dealing with SUDs. If you need assistance getting past substance addiction, contact a local, trusted treatment facility ASAP.
Get Treatment That Understands Gender And Addiction Near Palm Beach
Women and men have different needs for SUD treatment. Sunrise Detox Palm Beach always tailors our care to your unique needs. If you are searching for a safe environment to stay and work on addiction recovery, call us at 561-621-2517 or complete the contact form below. We reply immediately, at all hours. Reach out now; we’re ready to help.