Methadone is an effective drug for men and women who have opioid use disorder. Methadone treatment for men is seldom different from methadone treatment for most women, although women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need special attention.
Here’s a short description of the differences in addiction and treatment used for men and women.
Trends in Opioid Addiction (Men vs Women)
Women and men both get addicted to drugs, but there are noticeable variations in the way they experience it. The types of drugs commonly used by men and women also differ. With respect to prescription medication and opioid use disorder, men are more likely to use illicit drugs like heroin, while women are more likely to become addicted to sedatives and anti-depressant drugs.
Women are also more likely to report their use of illicit drugs and seek treatment. From data obtained by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the following facts apply to men vs women:
- About 5 million men reported substance misuse in the last year.
- Approximately 15.8 million women reported using illicit drugs within the last year.
- About 4 million women reported that they misused prescription medication in the last year.
Differences in Response to Treatment
Traditionally, addiction treatment was based on helping men recover. So, there may be less stigma for men to access treatment. However, women also get treatment when they desire it, and they tend to get better faster than men. Also, some data obtained from NIDA showed that men were more likely to experience a relapse (32 percent) than women (22 percent).
Opioid Use Disorders in Women
Information provided by Harvard Medical School shows that women have a greater tendency to misuse opioid pain medications than men. They’re also more likely to overdose and become emergency room cases. Women are also more likely to have more severe health risks and complications due to drug addiction. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to receive special care because of the effect treatment can have on the fetus or infant.
Treatment During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnant women and those who have young kids may not seek treatment or even stop receiving treatment early because they want to care for their kids. They may also be afraid of authorities who can take their children from them. That’s why treatment at Health Care Resource Centers locations doesn’t discriminate against you or your childbearing status.
We offer a high level of support to help with prenatal and postnatal needs during methadone treatment. We encourage all women to seek medical help to stop the misuse of opioids and other drugs. Sudden withdrawal from drugs without adequate medical supervision may put pregnant and breastfeeding women and their children at risk.
Contact Your Closest HCRC Location
If you need gender-sensitive treatment to help you recover from opioid use disorder, we’re fully prepared to help you return to a fully productive and socially rewarding life. We also provide methadone treatment for women who are pregnant. Contact us now by calling 866-758-7769 or send us a message through our contact form.
