Gender Differences in Substance Abuse Treatment

Both women and men sometimes misuse alcohol and drugs and both often need professional help in order to stop. Men and women often have different drug and alcohol habits, though, and gender differences can influence the best method of treatment.

Drug of Choice

In January 2007, "Psychiatric Times" reported that men abuse most illegal drugs and alcohol more often than women. In fact, men are about twice as likely as women to use illegal drugs. However, men and women are about equally likely to abuse prescription drugs.

Co-occurring Disorders

Many addicts have co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety which must be treated along with the addiction if treatment is to succeed. The article in "Psychiatric Times" stated that women with substance abuse problems have higher rates of anxiety and depression than male addicts. In addition, women often have histories of abuse or trauma which can contribute to their need to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. Addressing the underlying trauma and related issues will be necessary if treatment is to succeed.

Gender-Specific Treatment

Some substance abuse treatment centers offer gender-specific programming. The center may serve both men and women, and men and women may attend some group sessions together, but other group sessions serve only men or only women. These gender-specific group sessions focus on issues particular to each gender.

Many substance abuse treatment centers utilize 12 step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous but some that provide gender-specific treatment offers groups like Women for Sobriety for female clients instead. Such programs are designed to empower women and bolster their self-esteem while providing a roadmap to sobriety.

Some treatment centers serve only one gender. All programming is geared towards the needs of that gender. Some professionals think that clients may feel more comfortable and less distracted in a single-gender setting.

Outcomes

The article in "Psychiatric Times" reported that men are often more willing to enter treatment than women. However, treatment is about equally effective for men and women when women do agree to go to treatment. Some mental health care professionals believe that gender-specific treatment is more likely to have a successful outcome than generalized treatment.

Pregnancy

Family members of all alcoholics and drug addicts are affected by the disease, but pregnancy is a special matter. Substance abuse poses many dangers to a developing baby and of course only women face the dangers of drug and alcohol use during pregnancy. Some substance abuse programs for women have special policies and procedures in place to meet the needs of pregnant women, including protocols for detoxification and handling withdrawal symptoms during pregnancy.

Sources:

University of Delaware. http://www.udel.edu/soc/tammya/pdfs/Drug%20Use%20and%20Gender.pdf. Drug Use and Gender.

Psychiatric Times. http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/display/article/10168/46496?verify=0. Substance Abuse in Women.

Orchid Recovery Center. http://www.orchidrecoverycenter.com/drug-treatment/the-importance-of-drug-treatment-during-pregnancy.html. Drug Treatment and Pregnancy.

Women for Sobriety. http://www.womenforsobriety.org/.