Drug abuse: Men vs. Women
There are so many differences between men and women that it seems natural to wonder if there are variations when it comes to gender and drug abuse. For instance, do men or women abuse drugs earlier? Longer? Certain types? Is it easier for men or women to break addictive cycles? Are there differing factors that initially set the addiction in motion? Although it may seem trivial, studies have shown significant differences between men and women when it comes to specific kinds of drugs and the likelihood of becoming addicted to them.
For instance, The National Institution on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicate that there is, in fact, a difference between male and female exposure to drugs and likelihood of drug abuse/addiction and has provided research that shows that gender differences play a key role when it comes to drug abuse. Interestingly, they report that men are more likely than women to have opportunities to use drugs, but men and women given an opportunity to use drugs for the first time are equally likely to do so and to progress from initial use to addiction. However, women and men appear to differ in their vulnerability to some particular drugs.
Further, both men and women are equally likely to become addicted to or dependent on hallucinogens, tobacco, cocaine, heroin, and inhalants. Moreover, studies reveal that women tend to use cocaine to self-medicate when feeling depressed and unhappy. Men, on the other hand, generally use cocaine when they are feeling good, in order to feel even better. When it comes to tobacco, cigarette smoking also shows gender specific patterns. Men are more likely to smoke cigarettes to improve their attention and performance at work, ease feelings of aggression and relieve pain, while women tend to use smoking to regulate their mood and suppress their appetites. Also, women are more likely than men to become addicted to or dependent on drugs and sedatives that treat anxiety or sleeplessness, and women are less likely than men to abuse alcohol and marijuana.
The NIDA study also indicates that there are also differences between men and women who seek treatment for drug abuse. For instance, women in treatmentprograms for drug abuse are more likely than men to have other health problems, to have sought previous drug treatment, attempted suicide, and to have suffered sexual abuse or other physical abuse. Also women who struggle with drug abuse are less likely than men to have graduated from high school and to be employed.