Drug use and addiction devastate the lives of both males and females. The way addiction presents itself through symptoms in either sex can vary, as can the different drugs that either sex is drawn to the recovery methods used to help addicts heal.
While drug use and abuse are not identical in males and females, we do presently know a great deal about the behavior in both sexes.
Everyone wants to know who uses drugs more, males or females.
Typically, the male population gets a heavier reputation for drug use. Males are known to do drugs younger, more often, more of them and to abuse both alcohol and tobacco.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse ran research that suggested males might be the prevalent users due to more and earlier exposure to drugs. According to its investigations, more female users are introduced to drugs by males; similarly, males are introduced to drugs by males. The result? As males more commonly hang around males in adolescent and teenage years, so the exposure to drugs increases.
However, compared to males, females who have problems with substance misuse run greater risks in their lives.
Females telescope
Telescoping is a phenomenon that occurs in females where they try drugs as minimally as once and become addicted. So while females might be exposed to substances later on or less often, their chances of becoming addicted to or misusing the substance are greater.
Females face more repercussions
It is not yet clear why, but consequences females suffer from drug abuse and addiction are far greater than those experienced by males. Females experience more detrimental effects to their health. They see a steeper decline in finances than do males. Females are more likely to lose their jobs or be unable to earn and keep future steady jobs.
Females relapse
Compared to males, more females relapse after getting through rehab. The likelihood of relapsing post-rehabilitation is daunting and it is a huge problem amongst female substance abusers.
Why do females suffer more from drugs?
Females suffer in fewer numbers from drugs but in greater effect. Some researchers point to the chemical makeup of the brain or sex hormones, such as estrogen, influencing the dependency on drugs (especially stimulants). Others believe the female propensity for anxiety, eating and mood disorder create a predisposition to drug use and dependency. Women are commonly diagnosed with psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar and depression, that can increase their susceptibility to substance abuse.
Why does it matter if it is a female or male abusing the drug?
Morally and legally, it the sex of a drug addict does not matter. Biologically and psychologically, it can be a turning point in an addict’s recovery.
Research has led physicians, counselors, psychiatrists and other rehabilitation professionals to understand the differences between males recovering from drugs and females recovering drugs. The coping mechanisms are different, the withdrawal process is different, the capacity to stay focused on the road to sobriety is different.
The biological differences between male and female cue their own calculated regimen for drug recovery and enable physicians to provide the best possible care to addicts who want their lives and health back.
If you or a loved one is facing a problem using or misusing drugs, reach out to United Recovery Project immediately. Our team is standing by to answer your questions, to explain your options and to make sure that you get the care and future you deserve.