Gender-related differences in addiction: a review of human studies

Men typically report greater substance use and gambling than women, but the gender gap has been closing in recent years. Men and women engage in drug and gambling behaviors for different reasons and respond differently to drugs and gambling. Telescoping — a phenomenon in which women engage in drug use and/or gambling behaviors at a later age but progress faster to disordered engagement — was initially observed in alcohol and later in opioid, cannabinoid, cocaine, and gambling disorders. Biological and sociocultural gender-related factors may impact withdrawal symptoms and treatment responses among men and women. Further investigation of the neurobiological underpinnings of gender-related differences among addiction populations is required.

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