Learn About Gender Differences In Substance Use Disorders Near Duluth

All people with substance use disorders (SUDs) have compulsions to consume dependency causing substances like alcohol or drugs. This mental disorder is found in both women and men, but will the two genders go through SUDs differently? The latest research indicates “Yes.”

Being aware of the gender differences in substance use disorders near Duluth can help you understand when someone close to you -- man or woman -- needs addiction treatment. It’s also beneficial for addiction treatment facilities, like Sunrise Detox Duluth, when planning how to treat patients. If you haven’t thought about how substance use disorders influence men and women before, consider the following information.

Do Both Genders Encounter The Same SUD Symptoms?

Men and women usually experience the same substance use disorder symptoms. These include:

• Feeling compelled to take addictive substances each day or many times a day
• Experiencing acute compulsions to use that become more important than other needs and activities
• Requiring bigger doses of a substance to experience the same effect
• Losing control over how often or how much you use
• Spending more than you can afford on a substance
• Prioritizing obtaining a supply over other responsibilities
• Being unable to fulfill responsibilities due to alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from people close to you and social situations so you may use
• Continuing to use the substance even though you are aware it is causing you problems
• Participating in dangerous or illicit endeavors to find or use the substance
• Falling into withdrawal if you make an effort to halt use
• You are unsuccessful in each effort to cease using

However, dependency-causing substances affect female individuals at a quicker rate, so a substance use disorder advances faster in women. Women, consequently, are more likely to experience acute symptoms before seeking treatment.

What Are The Noteworthy Differences In Substance Use Disorders Between Men And Women?

Per new research about substance use, men do experience an SUD differently than women. For example:

• Men are more prone to use street drugs or misuse prescription drugs.
• Women are more prone to misuse prescription opioids, anti-anxiety drugs, and sleeping tablets.
• Men have increased dependency rates for alcohol and drugs.
• Fatality rates among women with alcohol disorders are 50 to 100 percent higher than men.
• Men and women are equally likely to experience a substance use disorder.

Although men are more apt to consume illicit substances, women are more likely to misuse prescriptions. This could be due to the fact that women are more inclined to seek treatment for anxiety, pain, and sleep disorders. And even though more men take addictive drugs and alcohol generally speaking, female anatomy puts women at greater risk for dangerous diseases prompted by substance use. But it’s crucial to realize that everyone who uses addictive drugs or alcohol has a similar chance of experiencing a substance use disorder, and any SUD might be destructive or even lethal.

Do Women And Men Search For Addiction Treatment At Similar Rates?

One significant gender difference in substance use disorders near Duluth involves treatment. More men seek addiction treatment than women. Women are typically main caregivers and might not have someone to look after their loved ones if they enter treatment. They also be scared of losing their little ones if they disclose their addiction. Men are less likely to have caregiving responsibilities that keep them out of residential care.

Once they begin treatment, long-term recovery is a challenge for all. However, men have a better probability of reaching it because they are not as likely to relapse. Women relapse at greater rates as they are more likely to have a severe addiction or co-occurring disorders that block recovery. They may also have difficulty finding addiction centers that tailor treatment to their specific needs.

These details should not discourage any individual from getting treatment. Knowing these insights helps addiction recovery centers, loved ones, and society in general gain a better understanding how to aid those dealing with SUDs. If you need assistance recovering from alcohol or drug addiction, call a local, trusted treatment facility right away.

Get Treatment That Recognizes Gender And Addiction Near Duluth

Women and men have different needs over the course of SUD treatment. Sunrise Detox Duluth always tailors our care to your unique requirements. If you are looking for a safe environment to stay and work on addiction recovery, phone us at 470-327-8336 or fill out the following contact form. We answer immediately, night or day. Place the call now; we’re here to help.