Author: Alex Thompson

Addiction Among Males

These trends suggest that much of the historical difference in the prevalence of both substance use and SUDs may have been attributable to social and cultural factors and not biological sex differences. Nonetheless, a wide array of differences have been identified that suggest that sexual dimorphisms–including, but not exclusively related to gonadal hormones–can impact the acute effects of substances, their long-term consequences, and the treatment of SUDs. Below, we highlight several consistent findings in the literature on sex and gender differences in SUDs. Consideration of understudied populations, including older women, pregnant women, and women with co-occurring psychiatric disorders continues to be a key area of need (Greenfield, Brooks, et al., 2007). As highlighted in this review, these groups may critically differ from populations in which the predominance of research has been conducted. For example, although studies have begun to elucidate the role of ovarian hormones in the subjective effects of substances, substance craving, and SUD recovery, the implications of these findings for groups such as pregnant or postmenopausal women is not well-understood.

1. However, it doesn’t take much alcohol to reach a harmful level of drinking, and that is when alcohol use can turn into alcohol abuse.
2. This progression is referred to as a “telescoping” course of illness and has been replicated in alcohol (Diehl et al., 2007; Randall et al., 1999), marijuana (Khan, Okuda, et al., 2013; Lewis, Hoffman, & Nixon, 2014), cocaine (Haas & Peters, 2000) and prescription opioid use (Lewis et al., 2014).
3. Using drugs as a remedy for distress can develop into a habit, and after a certain period of time, the individual begins to feel as though they need the substances in order to cope with everyday life (Ertl et al., 2018).

Recognition of gender differences in SUDs led to the development of separate treatment programs for women with SUDs in the 1980’s; particularly to address the needs of pregnant women and women with children (Greenfield & Grella, 2009; Grella, 2008). Illicit drug use is significantly more prevalent among men than women (CBHSQ, 2016). In 2015, 7.9% of women and 12.5% of men ages 12 and older reported past-month illicit drug use; corresponding rates of illicit drug use disorders were 2% and 3.8%. However, 8.8% of adolescents (i.e., ages 12–17) of both genders reported past-month illicit drug use (CBHSQ, 2016). This gender parity among adolescents appears to be driven by prescription drug misuse, with adolescent girls reporting higher rates of past-month use than boys (2.3% of girls vs. 1.7% of boys) (CBHSQ, 2016).

“We Are Trying to Numb the Pain With These Substances”

These substances are illegal because of their high risk for abuse and dangerous side effects. Addressing the nation’s mental health crisis and drug overdose epidemic are core pillars of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Unity Agenda. The Administration has invested $3.8 billion through the American Rescue Plan and more than $800 million through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in SAMHSA grant programs as part of President Biden’s comprehensive effort to improve access to mental healthcare, prevent overdoses, and save lives.

The aim was to provide the researcher with a holistic view of the participants’ experience (Figure 1) (Halldorsdottir, 2000). Effort on this manuscript was supported by NIDA grants UG1 DA (Drs. Greenfield & McHugh) and K23 DA (Dr. McHugh). NIDA had no further role in study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the paper for publication. Rates of addiction among different groups vary, and this can occur for a number of reasons. Why boys are most likely to use drugs or why men are most likely to use drugs can vary by individual factors, and there isn’t just one easy answer to these questions. If you have tried to quit or cut back on your own and found you could not do so, you may want to try other options and learn more about treatment for substance use.

Treatments for Pregnant Women

If you are a man struggling with addiction (or you have a loved one who you think might have a problem), you should know that seeking help is a sign of strength that can help you start the path to recovery. By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website. Understanding these risks may help you recognize the signs of a serious problem and improve your motivation to seek treatment. Anabolic steroids have no mood-altering or intoxicating properties, but they can still be misused. Using anabolic steroids to enhance performance or develop muscles and strength is abusive because of the negative side effects of steroid use.

In the second step, the researchers thoughtfully considered the phenomenon at hand. Utilizing silence from one of the seven stages, the researchers readied themselves for novel information and attempted to exclude any preconceived notions on what they might hear. The researchers also kept a journal throughout the entire research process to catalogue their thoughts while the study unfolded. During this step, the researchers implemented in-depth interviews with the participants.

These investments enabled the expansion of lifesaving prevention, treatment, and recovery services and supports in communities throughout the country, including the transition to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in July 2022. The 2021 NSDUH national report includes selected estimates by race, ethnicity, and age group. It is the most comprehensive report on substance use and mental health indicators that SAMHSA has released to date. The use of mutual-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, has been shown to help both men and women without evidence of significant differences (Ammon, Bond, Matzger, & Weisner, 2008). Differences between men and women in treatment outcomes may emerge from the effects of gender (e.g., barriers to treatment access such as child care responsibilities) or sex (e.g., differences in the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of medications that impact medication bioavailability). Understanding the common and unique needs of men and women has significant implications for treatment decisions, such as selecting the optimal first-line treatment, medication dosing, and identifying needed complementary social services.

Research has found that marijuana can have serious short-term and long-term health risks. Growing up in families in which drinking or using drugs is common or normalized also places one at a greater risk for developing a substance use disorder. The participants mentioned that they found a few things lacking during their treatments. Jack had found a lack of staff with relevant qualifications in drug addiction and recovery. In addition, he felt there had been too much focus applied to religious work, which he had disliked. The first step of the process involved the researchers selecting dialogue partners with personal experience in the subject matter.

Prescription Substance Misuse

Whereas nicotine is the most abused drug, caffeine is the most commonly used mood-altering drug in the world. The fact that the negative health effects of nicotine take a long time to manifest probably plays a role in the widespread abuse of tobacco. Although smoking has declined in recent years, it is estimated that 28.3 million Americans still smoke cigarettes despite the well-publicized harmful effects. However, it doesn’t take much alcohol to reach a harmful level of drinking, and that is when alcohol use can turn into alcohol abuse. Alcohol, prescription, and over-the-counter medications, inhalants and solvents, and even coffee and cigarettes can all be used to harmful excess. Many children have their first encounter with substance misuse by using inhalants, simply because they are found in many common household products and, therefore, readily available.

Increased attention needed to be extended toward this issue in treatment options in Iceland, by seeking out the root causes of the problem and not only focusing on the addiction itself. All participants were alike in having used drugs as a coping mechanism for the distress originating from the trauma they had suffered in childhood. The high rate of occurrence of traumatic childhood experiences amongst all participants had not been anticipated. It was evident from the findings the importance for men to receive adequate psychological help for their traumatic experiences during their time in treatment. The participants had not found the available assistance to be sufficient in considering these factors, where addiction had been perceived to be the primary focus in treatment and no thought given to underlying causes such as traumatic experiences. Upon contacting the researchers, potential participants were questioned as to whether they fit the study’s criteria with regard to age, gender, and their history of childhood trauma and drug abuse.

Prevalence and Incidence

Data were reviewed thoroughly, and the accuracy of the data confirmed by participants. Data were also presented to students and supervisors both at the research stage and upon completion of the study (Sigurdardottir et al., 2013). In the ninth step, the essential structure that had been identified was compared to the transcripts to confirm the findings. Dominant themes that best signified the phenomenon were identified during the tenth step; then, for the eleventh step, the analytic framework was presented to a selection of the participants to gauge whether the descriptions of their experiences were reflected accurately. For the twelfth and final step in the process, the findings were compiled, taking care to maintain the views of all participants and tell their stories using their own words (Halldorsdottir, 2000). Prescription drug misuse is the use of a medication without a prescription, in a way other than as prescribed, or for the experience or feelings elicited.

In 2021, an estimated 46.3 million people needed substance use treatment, but only around 6% received any treatment. People diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, primary insomnia, and gastroesophageal reflux are usually advised to reduce or eliminate regular caffeine use. Estimates from the 2021 NSDUH should not be compared with estimates from previous years because the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated methodological changes to the data collection process. 2021 NSDUH report includes selected estimates by race, ethnicity, and age and is the most comprehensive key findings report to date. The criteria for participation were sobriety, that they were over the age of 18 years old, and male. Participants were recruited through a Facebook advertisement placed on the January 31, 2019.

Sex and Gender Differences in Substance Use Disorders

The researchers had to be willing to listen to the experience of their dialogue partner and stay open to receiving new information. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) based in the United Kingdom provides guidance on how to treat PTSD. Individual sessions of trauma-focused conversational therapy are recommended, either in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for 8–12 hr in total. Sessions are recommended to be at least once a week for 12 weeks, with the option of prolonging this time frame for clients in need of resolving multiple issues (NICE, 2005).

This review provided an overview of research on the biological, epidemiological and treatment outcome differences between men and women with SUDs. Although significant gaps remain in our understanding of the role of sex and gender in SUDs, a number of trends are beginning to emerge in the literature. In the U.S., the gender gap in prevalence of substance use and onset of substance use disorders has significantly narrowed over the past three decades.