In broad terms, addiction is similar for most people. It involves regular use, physical dependence, fixation, frustration, and loss of control. Whether you’re a man or a woman, you can probably recognize the familiar features of addiction. However, there might also be some important differences between the ways men and women experience addiction. It may be that the differences between sexes is less significant than the differences between individuals, but in some circumstances, these differences may be important. Here are some ways men and women may experience addiction differently.
Men are more likely to face serious consequences from addiction.
Addiction is not good for anyone, and no one is immune to its catastrophic effects, but on average, men get hit harder. They are more likely to have a fatal overdose, commit suicide, and end up in prison.
Women may be at higher risk of depression.
Depression is a major risk factor for addiction, and women are twice as likely as men to struggle with depression, although it’s possible depression is just more recognizable in women. It’s not totally clear why that it, but it may have something to do with the way women process stress. Women are also more prone to borderline personality, which is another major risk factor for addiction, as it can cause anxiety, depression, social alienation, and a generally chaotic life. Women are about three times as likely as men to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
It’s more dangerous to be a woman.
Beyond mental health issues, and likely related, it’s just more dangerous to be female. Women are at greater risk for domestic abuse, assault, and rape. Such traumatic events greatly increase the risk of addiction as a way to cope with shame, traumatic memories, or ongoing abuse.
Addiction escalates more quickly in women.
Women tend to move more quickly from experimentation, to regular use, to addiction. It may be that differences in hormones change the ways drugs affect the brain. One study found that female rats that had had their ovaries removed had a lower dopamine response than castrated male rats. However, when the rats were treated with estrogen, the dopamine response increased.
Men take more risks.
It’s curious that addiction escalates more quickly in women, yet more men seek treatment for addiction. One reason for this is that men are more prone to taking foolish risks and so have more exposure. However, men are also more likely to seek treatment for addiction. This somewhat offsets men’s propensity for risk and suggests women may be underrepresented in treatment.
Women typically have a harder time quitting.
Studies have found that women typically have a harder time quitting. They report more negative affect–worse moods–than men after quitting. They also appear to be more sensitive to triggers and have stronger cravings, making women more prone to relapse. One major offset of this is that women also tend to form stronger social connections, which is a major asset in recovery. Everyone is different and may have different challenges in recovery. If some of these challenges look familiar, at least you know you aren’t alone. You’re not uniquely vulnerable. The good news is that tendencies aren’t destiny. Whatever difficulties you face in recovery can eventually be overcome.
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, we can help. Recovery Ways is a leading addiction treatment provider with an excellent recovery rate. Our expert staff includes masters and PhD level therapists and board certified addiction psychiatrists. Our comfortable facilities will help to make your treatment as enjoyable as possible and our therapists use proven techniques like sensory integration and recreation therapy to help to engage the world without the assistance of drugs or alcohol. Call us today at 1-888-986-7848 or email us through our contact page to learn more.
