It has always been thought that men exhibit higher rates of drug abuse and dependence compared to women. While this is still true, the gap has narrowed in recent times in our country. There are more cases detected of women abusing drugs. Women who end up as drug abusers and addicts usually have had troubled lives. Many would have grown up in an environment of alcohol or drug use in the family. Significant number of women addicts also would have had a history of being sexually abused when young.
There have been also reported cases of women being influenced to take drugs by their sexual partner. Women who have low self-esteem and have little self-confidence are prone to be influenced to abuse substance. This is especially so in the use of amphetamine type stimulants that are perceived to enhance sexual experience.
What is significant to note is that women are more susceptible to addiction compared to men .The chemistry of the female body, particularly hormones like estrogen seems to awaken receptors for drugs inside the brain, and transmit rapid and profound signals of pleasure. This makes women more disposed to cravings and thereby become easily addicted.
The prevalence of Depression and Anxiety disorders are also higher in women compared to men. These conditions are also closely linked to substance and alcohol abuse. This makes women more vulnerable to suffer from the consequences of abusing drugs and alcohol.
Women are less likely than men to seek treatment as the social stigma they face is higher. In addition, if they have children, they are less likely to seek professional help as they fear they may lose custody of their children.
Most drug abuse treatment models have been designed for men. However, gender-specific interventions tailored for women can address particular issues such as, pregnancy, parenting, domestic violence, sexual trauma and psychiatric conditions. For women, drug abuse and addiction is more often than not a complex social problem and not merely a habit than stems from a recreational need.
Dato’ Dr Andrew Mohanraj Chandrasekaran
Consultant Psychiatrist & Deputy President, Malaysian Mental Health Association
Dr. Andrew Mohanraj 