Learn About Gender Differences In Substance Use Disorders Near Orlando

Individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) have compulsions to take dependency causing substances like drugs and alcohol. This mental disorder affects both men and women, but are there differences in the ways the two genders undergo SUDs? Current research says “Yes.”

Being aware of the gender differences in substance use disorders near Orlando can help you understand when someone you care about -- woman or man -- needs addiction treatment. It’s also beneficial for treatment providers, like Sunrise Detox Orlando, when deciding how to treat patients. If you haven’t pondered how SUD impacts women and men before, examine the following details.

Do Women And Men Experience The Same SUD Symptoms?

Both genders generally show the same substance use disorder symptoms. These include:

• Feeling urges to consume a habit-forming substance every day or multiple times a day
• Experiencing acute impulses to keep using that distract you from other activities and needs
• Requiring increased doses of a substance to experience the same effect
• Losing control over how much or how often you use
• Spending in excess of what you can afford on substances
• Putting an emphasis on obtaining more of a substance over other life priorities
• Failing to fulfill responsibilities due to substance use
• Withdrawing from loved ones and social activities in order to use
• Continuing to take the substance even when you see it’s causing you problems
• Participating in risky or illicit activities to obtain or take the substance
• Going into withdrawal if you try to stop using a substance
• Failing in every bid to cease using

However, habit-forming substances affect female bodies more rapidly, so a substance use disorder moves along faster in women. Women, as a result, are more inclined to encounter severe symptoms before inquiring about treatment.

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

Per current studies about substance use, men will experience substance use disorders in a different manner than women. In general:

• Men are more likely to consume illicit drugs or misuse prescribed medications.
• Women are more apt to misuse prescribed opioid pain relievers, anti-anxiety medications, and sleeping pills.
• Men have higher rates of dependence for alcohol and drugs.
• Death rates for women with alcohol use 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 prone to take illegal substances, women are more likely to misuse prescription drugs. This may be due to the fact that women are more likely to seek treatment for anxiety, pain, and sleep disorders. And even though more men use dependency-causing drugs and alcohol in general, female physiology puts women at an elevated risk for dangerous diseases prompted by substance use. But it’s important to realize that everyone who uses habit-forming alcohol or drugs has an equal chance of developing an SUD, and any SUD may be destructive or even fatal.

Do Women And Men Seek Addiction Treatment At The Same Rate?

One significant gender difference in substance use disorders near Orlando concerns treatment. More men pursue addiction support than women. Women are often main caregivers and might not have an individual to attend to their family members if they enter treatment. They might be afraid of losing their children if they divulge their substance use disorder. Men have a lower likelihood of having caregiving responsibilities that prevent them from pursuing residential care services.

Once they start treatment, enduring recovery is difficult for everyone. But, men have a better probability of reaching it since they are less likely to relapse. Women relapse at greater rates because they are more inclined to suffer from a severe SUD or co-occurring disorders that block recovery. They could also have difficulty finding addiction centers that tailor treatment to their specific requirements.

None of this information should discourage any individual from seeking treatment. Knowing these truths helps addiction treatment centers, family members, and society as a whole gain a better understanding how to help those dealing with SUDs. If you need help recovering from substance addiction, reach out to a local, reputable treatment provider today.

Get Treatment That Understands Gender And Addiction Near Orlando

Women and men have varying needs for SUD treatment. Sunrise Detox Orlando always customizes our support to your individual situation. If you are looking for a welcoming spot to stay and work on addiction recovery, phone us at 407-305-4029 or complete the contact form below. We answer at once, day or night. Place the call now; we’re standing by to help.