Experience Recovery Blog

Addiction impacts both men and women—but it doesn’t necessarily impact them in the same ways. There are some gendered differences in substance abuse and in drug and alcohol addiction, with some forms of addiction impacting men at a disproportionate rate.

Watching a loved one struggle with addiction is never easy. It’s especially challenging when it’s the person you’re closest to—like your spouse. Witnessing a husband’s fight against drug or alcohol addiction may leave you feeling powerless, but actually, there are a number of practical ways in which you can offer your support.

One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing and treating addiction is that it is so often accompanied by other disorders—including a wide range of mental health issues. It can be tough to identify which symptoms stem from addiction and which emanate from the co-occurring mental health condition.

There is not a blanket solution for treating addiction as every person is affected differently. Genetics, environment, mental health, type of substance, duration and amount of use, and many other factors all play a role. This means that, in order to support effective recovery,

Addiction does not discriminate. Addiction affects men and women of all ages, races, nationalities, occupations, and socioeconomic classes. However, that does not necessarily mean that addiction affects everyone in the same way. Men and women often begin substance use for different reasons,