In: Psychology
Why is it important to understand gender differences in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of addictions?
Due to sex difference and difference in enzyme that metabolizes alcohol in stomach , the content of alcohol in females blood last's higher in concentration than male. Also the ovarian hormones play a great role in treatment responses. Women need to suffer more anxiety and depression than men.
When we consider about smoking cessation ,women have a better response to vareniciline, but men have a stronger response to nicotine replacement. Gender responsive interventions such as group therapy for woman with substance use disorders are more effective. In women due to menstural cycle , Nicotine craving and withdrawal varies and it may lead to further complications. In case of pregnant women , the treatment for addiction is different. If a pregnant women withdraws from addictive drugs without medical assistance , which can lead to fetus risks . So it is very important to understand the gender differences in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of addictions.