Women and Addiction: Are Women Criticized More Harshly Than Men?

When it comes to addiction, are women judged more harshly for using certain substances? It’s true that specific drugs affect men and women differently, which results in various reactions depending on the person. However, more often than not, women experience less sympathy and more criticism than men. From a traditional gender role, it has been thought for decades that women should not be using drugs or drinking, or at least be heavily influenced by alcohol as frequently as men. Undoubtedly, both genders share a high percentage of seeking addiction treatment, yet women in addiction treatments seem to uphold this particular unfair stigma.

Stigmas on Women

Women are seen as caregivers or potential mothers. The universal idea is that a woman is one who nurtures and supports others, whether that means family members, friends, or employees. Yet, this role comes with stress - and a lot of it. Maintaining others in addition to personal responsibilities is not an easy task, and it can commonly lead to substance abuse as a means of coping. Women who use drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism may appear to others as if they are lazy or selfish. However, certain drugs, especially formulating the habit of drinking, can produce a feeling of dependence. We must understand that a substance use disorder is a brain disease or may become one if not quickly addressed. People may understand the moral obligation to quit but do not know how since it has become a part of their lifestyle. These circumstances can be said for men and women in addiction, including mental illness stereotypes. 

Statistically, the stigma relating to women and addiction is apparent since men are more likely to be persistent drinkers than women. According to the CDC, men have higher alcohol-related hospitalizations than women. Even though women are heavier binge drinkers, men are two times more likely to binge drink. Yet, women have higher blood alcohol levels than men after consuming the same amount of alcohol. Not to mention, women are more likely to have serious long-term health issues, including liver disease and cognitive decline. Still, women and addiction are compared to men and defined that they should be strong enough to not fall into addiction due to gender roles, and these are the common problems attached to female addiction and gender discrimination.