Learn About Gender Differences In Substance Use Disorders Near Long Island
People with substance use disorders (SUDs) have compulsions to use mind-altering substances like alcohol or drugs. This mental disorder is found in both women and men, but will the two genders experience SUDs in a different manner? The most recent research indicates “Yes.”
Appreciating the gender differences in substance use disorders near Long Island can help you figure out when a loved one -- man or woman -- requires addiction treatment. It’s also helpful for treatment providers, like Sunrise Detox Long Island, when determining how to support patients. If you haven’t pondered how substance use disorders impact women and men before, examine the following information.
Do Women And Men Experience The Same SUD Symptoms?
Both genders generally display the same symptoms of SUD. These include:
- Feeling compulsions to use a habit-forming substance every day or several times a day
- Getting intense impulses to use that become more important than other activities and needs
- Requiring larger quantities of a substance to get the same effect
- Struggling to control how often or how much you use
- Spending more than you can afford on substances
- Prioritizing acquiring substances over other life priorities
- Failing to fulfill responsibilities due to drug or alcohol use
- Withdrawing from loved ones and social interactions to keep using
- Continuing to use the substance even though you are aware it is the source of your problems
- Participating in hazardous or illicit pursuits to find or take the substance
- Experiencing withdrawal if you attempt to halt use
- You fail in each bid to quit
Although, addictive substances affect female individuals more rapidly, so a substance use disorder advances in less time in women. Women, consequently, are more likely to experience acute symptoms before seeking help.
What Are Some Noteworthy Differences In Substance Use Disorders Between Men And Women?
According to current research about substance use, men experience drug or alcohol use disorders in a different manner than women. In general:
- Men are more apt to take street drugs or misuse prescription drugs.
- Women are more likely to misuse prescription opioids, anti-anxiety meds, and sleep aids.
- Men have elevated dependency rates for drugs and alcohol.
- Death rates among women with alcohol disorders are 50 to 100 percent higher than in men.
- Women and men are similarly prone to experience a substance use disorder.
So, while men are more likely to take illegal substances, women are more prone to misuse prescriptions. This may be due to the fact that women are more willing to find treatment for pain, sleep disorders, and anxiety. And although more men consume dependency-causing drugs and alcohol generally speaking, female physiology puts women at greater risk for dangerous diseases caused by substance use. But it’s crucial to remember that everyone who ingests addictive alcohol or drugs has the same chance of experiencing a substance use disorder, and any SUD might be destructive or even lethal.
Do Women And Men Seek Addiction Treatment At The Same Rate?
One significant gender difference in substance use disorders near Long Island involves treatment. More men search for addiction care than women. Women are frequently main caregivers and might not have someone to attend to their family members if they start treatment. They might be afraid of losing their young ones if they disclose their substance use disorder. Men have a reduced likelihood of having caregiving duties that keep them out of residential care.
After they seek treatment, long-term recovery is a challenge for all people. But, men have a better shot of attaining it as they are less likely to relapse. Women relapse at increased rates because they are more likely to have a debilitating addiction or co-occurring disorders that inhibit recovery. They may also struggle to find addiction programs that tailor treatment to their unique requirements.
These details should not discourage any individual from seeking treatment. Understanding these insights helps addiction treatment centers, family members, and society in general better comprehend how to aid those dealing with SUDs. If you need help getting past drug or alcohol addiction, contact a local, reputable treatment center right away.
Find Treatment That Understands Gender And Addiction Near Long Island
Women and men have varying needs during SUD treatment. Sunrise Detox Long Island always tailors our services to your individual situation. If you seek a hospitable place to stay and work on addiction recovery, dial us at 631-857-3800 or complete the contact form below. We answer at once, at all hours. Get in touch now; we’re here to help.