Women and substance abuse: gender-specific social, biological and psychological differences and treatment considerations

Andrew O’Hagan,Marnie Wilson

doi:10.15406/frcij.2018.06.00189

Andrew O’Hagan, Marnie Wilson

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.15406/frcij.2018.06.00189

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Abstract

Until recently, substance abuse research focused almost entirely on men – leaving women underrepresented or overlooked entirely. Traditional methods of treatment were developed on the findings of purely male-centric research which was applied to the entire population. Research has since identified a number of gender-specific variables which limit the application of these approaches and present a case for the universal implementation of treatment-types developed specifically for women. This article represents an exploration of the cultural expectations, trauma and adverse life experiences together with comorbidity of psychiatric disorders and the role of ovarian hormones in the onset and treatment of substance abuse in women.

Highlights

Substance abuse and addiction incurs huge costs to society every year - more than £15 billion in the UK alone
Societal stresses and support systems It has been documented that reports of pre-treatment sexual abuse and trauma earlier in life are considerably higher in women than men,[9,10] and links have been made between the sexual objectification (SO) of women and drug misuse in all guises.[11]
Women who suffer with substance abuse disorders are simultaneously suffering with at least one other condition

Summary

Introduction

Substance abuse and addiction incurs huge costs to society every year - more than £15 billion in the UK alone. This paper will outline the impact of societal pressures, psychological burdens and biological influences on women and substance abuse, (Figure 1). It will consider the implications of these underlying sex differences on substance abuse treatment and makes suggestions regarding the approaches taken to treating addicted women. Societal and cultural pressures affect women psychologically, as the series of unattainable ideals placed upon them begin to manifest in self-objectification and subsequent mental disorders The prevalence of these co-occurring disorders is often a triggering factor for abuse, these need to be addressed and treated simultaneously for SA treatment to be successful

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion