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Is Risk Of Dependence Different For Men And Women?

Most research on drug abuse and dependence has looked at possible gender differences in “risk of first use” and “persistence of dependence.” So this study looked at male-female differences in their progression from first use to clinical dependence upon marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol.

Researchers analyzed a sample of non-institutionalized men and women 15 to 44 years of age in the U.S. (3558 marijuana users, 1337 cocaine users, and 6149 alcohol drinkers.) All had reported using their drug on at least one occasion.

Results showed notable male-female differences in the risk of becoming marijuana-dependent during the first several years after first use, less-pronounced male-female differences for alcohol, and even smaller male-female differences for cocaine. In general, however, first use risk was greater for young men and greater for alcohol than marijuana and cocaine; and highest risk of first use of marijuana and alcohol was between 18 and 19 years of age, and 21 to 22 years of age for cocaine.

The risk of cannabis dependence among male cannabis users was 1% in the first year after first use, and reached a peak at 4% two years later.

The estimated risk of cannabis dependence among female users remained at 1% per year for three years, without the peak.

For both male and female cocaine users, the estimated risk for developing cocaine dependence was 5% to 6% within the first year after first use. Thereafter, the estimated risk declined from the peak value, with a somewhat faster decline for females in the three years after first use.

For alcohol, the estimated risk period extended for many years after the first drink, with female drinkers becoming alcohol dependent at a rate of about 1% per year.

For both male and female drinkers, the period of risk for developing alcohol dependence extended for a span of more than 20 years since first use.

(Wagner, FA, Anthony, JC: Male-female differences in the risk of progression from first use to dependence upon cannabis, cocaine, and alcohol. Drug and Alcohol Dependence 86:191-198, 2007.)

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