Drug addiction doesn’t discriminate. It can impact anyone, regardless of age (yes, even babies are born addicted to substances if their mothers use drugs during pregnancy), race, socioeconomic status, or gender.
However, when it comes to the question of male versus female drug addiction predominance, many studies show that men are more likely to use drugs than women. Still, the female gender’s need for help with addiction is everywhere, and you can find help for women’s drug rehab in Huntington Beach, CA, and other forward-minded cities.
How is drug addiction, an inarguably devastting problem, different for males versus females? Check out these key statistics and takeaways and share the knowledge with those around you to help educate and reduce substance abuse.
Men Have the “Boys Will Be Boys” Excuse
As a global societal stereotype, women are often held to a higher standard of respectful behavior today. Males may party, drink, engage in promiscuity, and do drugs, and those around them will shake their heads and say, “Boys will be boys.” When females do the same thing, they’re judged harshly.
This double standard may seem unfair, but the reality is that it means that males are often exposed to substance use younger and more frequently. Depending on the “crowd” you hang out with, as a boy or man, you could be expected to smoke, drink, or use drugs, and then belittled or ostracized if you say no.
Statistics show that more males than female begin using drugs as early as 12 years old. Boys and men are more likely to binge drink, become addicted to tobacco and alcohol, and use drugs in large quantities. This statistic only varies in young teens, as both boys and girls in middle and early high school use drugs at the same rate. Once they begin using a substance, girls tend to become addicted faster than boys.
Women Are More Easily Addicted
Keep in mind that there’s a significant difference between using drugs and abusing them. Many teens and adults experiment with substances and may even use them frequently for a while. However, some people realize the problem before it becomes an out of control addiction and are able to quit on their own.
Yet, females are prone to relapsing, even after going through a complete rehab program, while men have higher rates of success. This statistic could be because women are also more likely to suffer from mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder than men. Having a cocurrent mental disorder along with a substance use problem increases the likelihood of continued use. Without treating both issues concurrently, the person battling addiction will likely relapse.
Help is Readily Available For Males and Females
The type of substance abuse preferred by men and women may vary, but no matter what kind of addiction is causing the damage, help is available.
Every addiction is physically and mentally harmful. Although marijuana is legal in many states, it remains a danger. Men are more likely to use marijuana daily than women, yet the new laws close this gap regularly. Women are more likely to abuse prescription painkillers. Both men and women are equally addicted to stimulants like cocaine and meth.
Regardless of the addictive substance, the fact is that drugs, even alcohol and tobacco, kill. If you or someone you love are dealing with substance use, reach out for help from professionals who know how to treat the problem and the underlying condition.
