Addiction never looks the same in any two people. Like many other diseases, addiction doesn’t just affect people differently, but it can manifest in very different ways.
Understanding how addiction affects men and women uniquely and that the recovery process isn’t the same for everyone can help you find the right treatment and program for you.
One of the biggest differences in substance abuse comparisons of males and females is that males are overall more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol compared to women. However, women are more likely to fatally overdose or need emergency medical treatment for their drug use.
Even though men and women are equally likely to develop a substance use disorder, the types of drugs, their susceptibility to relapsing and experiencing cravings, and the danger those substances pose to their health can differ greatly between biological genders.
For example, women are more susceptible to pain and more likely to abuse opioid prescription drugs than men. On the other hand, men have historically been more likely to abuse alcohol.
Understanding that addiction affects people differently has encouraged our team at Adelante Recovery Center to create customizable, tailor-made treatment plans for men and women that consider their individual needs and recovery challenges.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and needs help, contact our team today at (949) 427-9099.