M. Fe Caces, Ph.D. Office of National Drug Control Policy Executive Office of the President September 2004 Gender Differences in Drug Treatment Data in the U.S.

Females Males Females account for two out of five current users of illicit drugs in the U.S. Total Current Users: 19.5 million 9/2004 Source: SAMHSA, 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (September 2004).

Males consistently have higher rates of illicit drug use. Percent Using Any Illicit Drug in the Past Month 9/2004 Source: SAMHSA, 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (September 2004).

Among youth, there is variation in the gender pattern of illicit drug use by race/ethnicity. Percent Using Any Illicit Drug in the Past Month 9/2004 Source: SAMHSA, 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (September 2004).

Among youth, females exceed males in rates of nonmedical use of any prescription-type psychotherapeutic drug. Percent Using Any Illicit Drug in the Past Month 9/2004 Source: SAMHSA, 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (September 2004).

Methamphetamine Use of Males and Females in the Arrested Population, Selected Cities, 2003 Percentage testing positive for methamphetamine 7/2004 Source: SAMHSA, 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (September 2004).

Rates of drug dependence or abuse also are lower for females compared to males. Percent with drug dependence or abuse in the past year 9/2004 Source: SAMHSA, 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (September 2004).

DSM-IV checklist for substance abuse Substance Abuse A definite diagnosis of abuse is made when any one of A and both B and C are “Yes.” A. Has the client experienced the following?NoYes 1. Recurrent failure to meet important responsibilities due to use? 2. Recurrent use in situations when this is likely to be physically dangerous? 3. Recurrent legal problems arising from use 4. Continued use despite recurrent problems aggravated by the substance use B. These symptoms have occurred within a 12-month period C. Client had never met the criteria for dependence 8/2002

DSM-IV checklist for substance dependence Substance Dependence A definite diagnosis of dependence is made when any three of A and both B are “Yes.” A. Has the client experienced the following?NoYes 1. Tolerance (needing more to become intoxicated or discovering less effect with the same amount) 2. Withdrawal* (characteristic withdrawal associated with type of drug) 3. Using more or for longer periods than intended 4. Desire to or unsuccessful efforts to cut down 5. Considerable time spent in obtaining the substance or using, or recovering from its effects 6. Important social, work, or recreational activities given up because of use 7. Continued use despite knowledge of problems caused by or aggravated by use B. Have these positive items been present during the same 12 month period? Are three or more of the above positive? *A clear cut withdrawal syndrome is not present with some classes of drugs: caffeine, marijuana, phencyclidine, or hallucinogens. 8/2002

Rates of specialty drug treatment are lower for females. Percentage who received drug treatment among those who needed treatment 9/2004 Source: SAMHSA, 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (September 2004).

Females Males Females account for 38% those with dependence or abuse of any illicit drug. Total Drug Dependents/Abusers: 6.8 million 9/2004 Source: SAMHSA, 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (September 2004).