Gender is yet another aspect that makes humans and all living things incredibly unique. After all, men and women have unique sets of talents and gifts that enable them to accomplish incredible feats of nature and share incredible experiences. However, the differences that make us special also lend a few dangers if drugs interfere with our systems. For example, did you know that men can actually process alcohol much better than women due to differences in water content between male and female bodies? Today, let’s take a closer look at the gender gap of addiction and see what drugs are possibly specific to what gender.
Battle of the Sexes
Ultimately, men and women experience different physical and mental reactions to a variety of drugs. While men are more likely to abuse substances (about 11.5% of men, to be exact), women have a higher risk of suffering from overdoses as a direct result of substance abuse problems, resulting in a higher rate of emergency room visits. Medical research has even proven that girls from 12 to 17 years of age potentially abuse depressants more frequently than boys in this same age group.
All about the Drugs
Let’s go ahead and take a look at how men and women react to addictive substances, based on a report from the Harvard Medical School.
First, we will start with the men:
- Men are more likely to suffer from addiction and abuse drugs due to peer pressure.
- Men can stabilize their substance problems at lower dosage levels than women.
- Men are at a higher risk of suffering more severe side effects of alcohol detox than women.
- Men are less likely to relapse after treatment.
Now, let’s take a look at the women:
- Women typically undergo a telescoping downgrade, transitioning from abuse to dependence and addiction faster than their male counterparts.
- Women more frequently abuse illicit substances to self-medicate.
- Women suffer from severe health problems as a side effect of addiction and abuse more often than men.
- Women suffer from stronger cravings during treatment and have a higher risk of relapsing after completing rehab.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Addiction or Alcoholism
Alcoholism and drug addiction are dangerous sicknesses that should never be taken lightly. All it takes to fall off the wagon and become sick is to take that first sniff, snort, injection, or shot before you are rolling downhill into insanity. Still, you can always push the train back up, but it will be a difficult hike. However, with the right mixture of perseverance and determination, you can easily get back on track and be happy once more.
Are you suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or drug addiction? Do you have a friend or a loved one who is coping with the same illness? In both cases, get in touch us at with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of drug withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you are seeking more information about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
