Does Drug Overdose Kill More Men than Women?
You are here:Although men and women are exposed to the same drugs, men die of drug overdose two to three times more than women, according to a study conducted by the NIDA.
Society expects men to be strong and capable. So, they aren’t willing to appear weak or helpless by reaching out for help. They struggle to uphold the tough-guy image and may resort to using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Understanding the reasons why men are more vulnerable to overdose will save lives. In case you or someone you know is using illicit drugs, here are some things you should know about the high risk of overdose among men.
Drug Overdose Statistics: Men vs. Women
More than 107,000 people died of drug overdose in 2021 in the United States. A state-by-state analysis revealed the following gender-based rates of overdose deaths:
- Synthetic opioids: 29.0 deaths per 100,000 for men; 11.1 deaths per 100,000 for women
- Cocaine: 10.6 deaths per 100,000 for men; 4.2 deaths per 100,000 for women
- Heroin: 5.5 deaths per 100,000 for men; 2.0 deaths per 100,000 for women
- Psychostimulants: 13.0 deaths per 100,000 for men; 5.6 deaths per 100,000 for women
Participants in the study ranged in age from 15 to 74. Men also had greater rates of overdose compared to women even though they had a lower rate of drug misuse.
What Makes Men More Vulnerable to Drug Overdoses?
The effects of drugs on men differ from those on women for many reasons. For example, men report misusing drugs more than women. However, other factors play a role in the high rate of drug overdoses among men, such as:
- It’s difficult for men to admit they need help.
- Statistically, men start drug use at a younger age than women.
- Men have a higher tolerance for drugs than women.
- Men are more likely to use drugs to deal with trauma and stress rather than trying healthier coping skills.
- In comparison, men are more likely than women to combine alcohol with other drugs.
Furthermore, environmental, social, genetic, and other behavioral factors play a role in the rates of drug overdose and deaths among men. For these reasons, addiction treatment programs that offer gender-specific methodologies achieve more lasting recovery results. Helping men recover and live drug-free lives will greatly reduce the number of drug overdose and deaths among men.
Benefits of Gender-Specific Addiction Treatment
Gender-specific addiction treatment targets the unique needs of the individual. Studies show that many people are uncomfortable and feel distracted in group counseling settings that include the opposite sex. Rehab facilities can help clients express their feelings in a judgment-free environment by offering gender-based programs.
In our rehab for men at Design for Change, men learn about:
- Roles
- Emotions
- Communication
- Boundaries
- Self-Love
- Self-Care
- Relationships
- Coping strategies
- Triggers, stressors
- Meditation
Addiction is generally accompanied by or triggered by a mental health disorder. We offer programs that target those co-occurring disorders, including anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, and personality disorders to ensure that you get the right level of care for your needs.
Our men’s program provides smaller, more intimate counseling sessions than other facilities. In these smaller groups, men are more comfortable talking about their situation and often form close friendships.
They also benefit from improved self-esteem and increased confidence, along with learning effective coping skills for relapse prevention.
Get Addiction Treatment and Avoid the Risk of Drug Overdose
Drug overdoses among men and women is a national crisis. Deadly drugs like fentanyl are often the culprit in the high rate of drug-related deaths. At Design for Change Recovery, we provide options to help individuals overcome drug use and avoid becoming a statistic.
Our comprehensive programs are evidence-based, JCAHO-accredited, and client-centric. Furthermore, we are in-network with major insurance companies to provide the highest level of care for our clients. We offer various levels of care including:
- Outpatient
- Intensive Outpatient
- Residential
- Intensive Inpatient
- Partial Hospitalization
- Aftercare Services
Depending on your situation, we provide short-term and long-term programs that can be adjusted as needed. Some of the daily classes and activities you will attend include:
- Group and Individual Counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Relapse Prevention
- Life Skills Training
- Holistic Therapies
- Experiential Therapy
- Family Therapy
In addition to the above, you’ll enjoy a comforting, secure environment as you progress through the program. We are committed to your recovery, and our team of skilled and compassionate professionals is dedicated to meeting your needs consistently.
Learn more about the full continuum of care at Design for Change by contacting our Lancaster, CA facility today. One of our treatment advisors will be available to assist you and help you determine the best path to recovery for your needs.
Sources:
nida.nih.gov – Men Died of Overdose at a 2-3 Times Greater Rate Than Women in the US in 2020-2021
cdc.gov – Drug Overdose Deaths
