What You Should Know About Gender Differences In Substance Use Disorders Near Toms River
All people with substance use disorders (SUDs) have compulsions to consume dependency causing substances like drugs and alcohol. This mental disorder is found in both men and women, but will the two genders go through SUDs in a different manner? The latest studies say “Yes.”
Appreciating the gender differences in substance use disorders near Toms River can help you determine when a loved one -- woman or man -- requires addiction treatment. It’s also useful for treatment providers, like Sunrise Detox Toms River, when deciding how to support patients. If you haven’t contemplated how substance use disorders influence women and men before, consider the following information.
Do Men And Women Have The Same Symptoms Of SUD?
Men and women typically show the same symptoms of SUD. These include:
- Feeling compulsions to take an addictive substance daily or many times a day
- Getting intense urges to keep using that become more important than other pastimes or obligations
- Requiring bigger amounts of a substance to experience the same effect
- Struggling to control how often or how much you use
- Spending in excess of what you can afford on alcohol or drugs
- Prioritizing getting a supply over other commitments
- Failing to fulfill commitments due to drug or alcohol use
- Withdrawing from loved ones and social activities so you may use
- Continuing to consume the substance even if you know it is creating problems
- Partaking in hazardous or illegal pursuits to obtain or use the substance
- Experiencing withdrawal if you try to stop using a substance
- You are unsuccessful in any bid to cease using
However, habit-forming substances influence female individuals at a more rapid rate, so a substance use disorder advances in less time in women. Women, consequently, have a greater chance of encountering serious symptoms before seeking treatment.
What Are The Important Differences In Substance Use Disorders Between Women And Men?
As indicated by current studies about substance use, men will experience drug or alcohol use disorders in a different fashion than women. To illustrate:
- Men are more prone to take illicit drugs or misuse prescribed medications.
- Women are more apt to misuse prescription opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, and sleep aids.
- Men have higher dependency rates for drugs and alcohol.
- Fatality rates among women with alcohol disorders are 50 to 100 percent higher than men.
- Men and women are just as likely to experience a substance use disorder.
Even though men are more likely to use illegal substances, women are more likely to misuse prescribed drugs. This might be attributed to the fact that women are more willing to get treatment for anxiety, pain, and sleep disorders. And while more men use addictive drugs and alcohol overall, female anatomy puts women at greater risk for deadly diseases caused by substance use. But it’s critical to note that everyone who takes addictive alcohol or drugs has a similar chance of developing a substance use disorder, and any SUD might be devastating or even deadly.
Do Women And Men Seek Addiction Treatment At Similar Rates?
One notable gender difference in substance use disorders near Toms River deals with treatment. More men search for addiction support than women. Women are typically primary caregivers and might not have a person to care for their loved ones if they start treatment. They also be afraid of losing their young ones if they disclose their substance use disorder. Men are not as likely to have caregiving obligations that prevent them from pursuing residential care services.
When they begin treatment, enduring recovery is a challenge for everyone. However, men have a better probability of attaining it as they are less likely to relapse. Women relapse at higher rates as they are more inclined to experience an intense SUD or co-occurring disorders that inhibit recovery. They could also struggle to find addiction facilities that tailor treatment to their exact requirements.
None of this information should deter anyone from getting treatment. Knowing these truths helps addiction treatments facilities, families, and society in general gain a better understanding how to help those working through SUDs. If you need help recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, reach out to a local, reputable treatment provider today.
Get Treatment That Recognizes Gender And Addiction Near Toms River
Women and men have differing needs during SUD treatment. Sunrise Detox Toms River always customizes our support to your exact needs. If you are looking for a safe environment to stay and progress toward addiction recovery, phone us at 732-504-3527 or send in the contact form on this page. We answer at once, at all hours. Place the call now; we’re here to help.