Drug abuse and dependency: understanding gender differences in etiology and management.
OBJECTIVE
To review the etiology, consequences, and treatment needs of drug abuse and dependency, especially in women.


METHODS
Original studies and literature reviews published primarily since 1990.


RESULTS
Many studies, conducted mostly during the past 10 years, are providing new information regarding the genesis of two separate drug problems: willful abuse (misuse) of drugs and pathological drug dependency. Recent studies have also highlighted important differences between the sexes in the causes, consequences, and management of drug abuse and dependency. The neurobiologic and genetic contributions to the pathological disease of addiction provide important directions for future treatments, as a supplement to existing self-help and structured behavioral therapies. Pharmacotherapy also has an important role in reducing drug craving and relapse in addicted patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the precise causes of drug abuse and dependency continue to challenge researchers, important differences have been identified between men and women in terms of how drug use begins, how it progresses, and effective methods of treatment. Pharmacists and other health care professionals need to understand gender differences in the etiology and management of drug abuse and dependency and develop the capacity to recognize and refer women who may be abusing or dependent on drugs.
Wasilow-Mueller
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Addiction Science Research and Education Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas, Austin, USA. swasilow@home.com
Erickson
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012737:Sex Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health