In this article by the American Addiction Center ( https://americanaddictioncenters.org/gender/) Researchers study some of the the biological differences between men and women and how they can affect susceptibly to substance abuse. For example, hormonal differences and differing levels of certain drug-metabolizing enzymes in females may make them more likely to become addicted to substances such as alcohol and opiates. These hormone differences can make women more “cognizant of the the effects of substances”, meaning they tend to feel the “rewarding” effects of drugs more even when taking a smaller amount than a male. Generally, females have less body weight and increased levels of Estrogen compared to males which also plays a factor in their risk of addiction. The female menstrual cycle and its effects on their bodies (hormonal imbalances and increased incidences of depression for example) are also discussed as factors that increase the susceptibility of females to drug abuse.
Jaylen Rodgers