According to research, which gender typically has higher rates of opioid use?

The research indicates that males typically have higher rates of opioid use compared to females. This trend has been observed across various studies, which show that men are more likely to engage in substance use behaviors and report higher rates of opioid misuse. Factors contributing to this discrepancy may include biological, social, and cultural influences that impact how different genders use substances.

Males often face societal norms that may encourage risk-taking behaviors, or they may have higher exposure to environments where substance use is prevalent. Understanding these gender dynamics is essential for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies for opioid use disorders. Recognizing this trend can help counselors and healthcare providers tailor their approaches to address the specific needs and risks associated with opioid use in different populations.