Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats
Published on: February 20, 2019
[Sex-specific aspects of addiction]
O Albayrak1, S Krug, N Scherbaum
1Klinik für abhingiges Verhalten und Suchtmedizin, Rheinische Kliniken Essen, Kliniken der Universität Duisburg-Essen. oezguer.albayrak@uni-duisburg-essen.de
Abstract:
Addictive diseases such as alcoholism, nicotine or opiate addiction show sex-specific characteristics. These apply to epidemiological data, the psychosocial conditions for the development of the addiction,the symptoms, possible consequences for pregnancy and breastfeeding, the course of the addiction, as well as its treatment. As a whole, men are more frequently substance-dependent than women. This is true for all types of addiction and for each individual substance - with the exception of benzodiazepines and analgesics to which women are equally or more frequently dependent. Moreover, women have a different consumption pattern from men. Epidemiological surveys on illegal drugs frequently do not present sex-specific data. There also is still a great need for research in regards to sex-specific therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Drug Dependence
Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Sex Linked Disorders
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine

