Why Focus on Women

Biologic and Hormonal Differences

Differences in Reasons for Use

Variations in Patterns of Use and Susceptibility to Use Disorders

Differences in Engagement in and Efficacy of Treatment

Differences in Engagement in and Efficacy of Treatment

Men are more likely to initiate treatment due to social stigma. However, once in treatment, women are just as likely to have positive outcomes, if not better, depending on the type of treatment.

Variations in Patterns of Use and Susceptibility to Use Disorders

Women are more likely to report using in romantic or intimate relationships while men report using with peers. In addition, women tend to be less likely to access drugs, so they are at risk of HIV and Hepatitis C from sharing with male counterparts.

Biologic and Hormonal Differences

Sex differences result from biological factors, like sex chromosomes and hormones, while gender differences result from expectations of roles and responsibilities based on culture. For example, women:

• have a harder time quitting smoking than men because women metabolize nicotine faster.
• get intoxicated at a much more severe and faster rate than men with the same amount of alcohol being used.
• can be more susceptible to stimulant addiction because of their different hormonal makeup.

Differences in Reasons for Use

Women tend to report stimulant use much more for role responsibilities or cultural expectations, such as losing weight or having a thin appearance. As a broad generalization, men are more likely to report using cocaine or methamphetamine for feelings of positivity or partying. For example:

• Patterns of use may correspond with hormonal or menstrual cycles.
• Women may have more difficulty accessing substances.
• Women are more likely to report using in a romantic partnership.