Explore The Gender Differences In Substance Use Disorders Near Atlanta

People with substance use disorders (SUDs) have urges to consume mind-altering substances like drugs and alcohol. These mental disorders are found in both women and men, but will the two genders endure SUDs differently? Current research says “Yes.”

Being aware of the gender differences in substance use disorders near Atlanta can help you understand when a loved one -- woman or man -- needs addiction treatment. It’s also useful for addiction treatment providers, like Sunrise Detox Alpharetta, when planning how to support patients. If you haven’t pondered how SUD impacts women and men before, consider the following facts.

Do Men And Women Experience The Same Symptoms Of SUD?

Women and men typically display the same symptoms of SUD. These include:

• Feeling urges to use addictive substances every day or multiple times a day
• Having overwhelming compulsions to consume that take you away from other needs and activities
• Needing increased quantities of a substance to feel the desired effect
• Struggling to control how frequently or how much you use
• Spending more money than you can afford on alcohol or drugs
• Making a priority of acquiring more of a substance over other responsibilities
• Being unable to fulfill responsibilities as a result of substance use
• Withdrawing from family and social situations so you may use
• Continuing to consume the substance even though you see it’s causing you problems
• Participating in hazardous or illicit activities to find or use the substance
• Falling into withdrawal if you try to quit using
• You are unsuccessful in each attempt to stop using

But, habit-forming substances affect female bodies at a quicker rate, so a substance use disorder advances quicker in women. Women, therefore, have a greater chance of experiencing acute symptoms before inquiring about help.

What Are Some Noteworthy Differences In Substance Use Disorders Between Genders?

Per current research about substance use, men experience an SUD in a different fashion than women. For example:

• Men are more apt to consume illegal drugs or misuse prescription drugs.
• Women are more prone to misuse doctor-ordered opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, and sleep aids.
• Men have higher dependency rates for alcohol and drugs.
• Death rates for women with alcohol use disorders are 50 to 100 percent higher than in men.
• Women and men are equally likely to develop a substance use disorder.

Even though men are more prone to take illicit substances, women are more likely to misuse prescribed drugs. This could be attributed to the fact that women are more willing to seek treatment for sleep disorders, pain, and anxiety. And even though more men take dependency-causing drugs and alcohol in general, female biology puts women at greater risk for fatal diseases brought about by substance use. But it’s crucial to note that everyone who takes addictive drugs or alcohol has a similar chance of encountering an SUD, and any SUD might be devastating or even fatal.

Do Women And Men Search For Addiction Treatment At The Same Rate?

One notable gender difference in substance use disorders near Atlanta deals with treatment. More men search for addiction care than women. Women are often main caregivers and may not have a person to care for their family members if they begin treatment. They may fear losing their children if they reveal their addiction. Men have a lower probability of having caregiving duties that prevent them from pursuing residential care services.

When they seek treatment, lasting recovery is a challenge for all people. Despite this fact, men have a better probability of attaining it as they are less inclined to relapse. Women relapse at higher rates since they are more inclined to suffer from an intense addiction or co-occurring disorders that obstruct recovery. They could also struggle to find addiction centers that adjust treatment to their exact requirements.

These details should not dissuade anyone from getting treatment. Understanding these insights helps addiction recovery centers, families, and communities gain a better understanding how to help those experiencing SUDs. If you need help overcoming drug or alcohol addiction, call a local, trusted treatment center today.

Discover Treatment That Understands Gender And Addiction Near Atlanta

Women and men have differing needs over the course of SUD treatment. Sunrise Detox Alpharetta always personalizes our support to your exact needs. If you seek a hospitable spot to stay and work on addiction recovery, call us at (678) 928-6557 or fill out the contact form on this page. We respond immediately, day or night. Place the call now; we’re standing by to help.