Gender Differences in Addiction

Abstract

This review is aimed at reviewing gender differences in addictive disorders. A brief overview of the topic is given and then the review is broken down into substances. As a full overview of each substance would not be possible, this review is aimed at looking at the most commonly seen substances as well as behavioral addictions that have robust literature. Gender differences in substance use disorders and behavioral addictions appear to be multifactorial, with intrinsic hormonal factors of the reward system and external factors such as the expectations and gender roles or norms of a given society. When diagnosing or treating addictive disorders, both natal and identified gender must be considered, as they can have implications on diagnosis, course of disease, and treatment. Though not all encompassing on what a clinician needs to be familiar with, this review should serve as a guide to make providers aware of and to begin to familiarize oneself with these gender differences.