Sex differences, gender and addiction

Abstract

This review discusses alcohol/other drug addiction as both a sociocultural and biological phenomenon. Sex differences and gender are not solely determined by biology, nor are they entirely sociocultural. The interactions among biological, environmental, sociocultural and developmental influences result in phenotypes that may be more masculine or more feminine. These gender-related sex differences in the brain can influence the responses to drugs of abuse, progressive changes in the brain after exposure to drugs of abuse and whether addiction results from drug-taking experiences. The basic laboratory evidence for sex differences in addiction is discussed within the context of four types of sex/gender differences.

Infection control perception and behavior: a question of sex and gender? Results of the AHOI feasibility study

“…The gender is socially constructed as identity. This identity is a socially influenced role that, whether male or female, is shaped by traditional, cultural structures, and social ideas 9–11. Because of the dynamic nature of the modern discussion about the terms “sex” and “gender,” we hereby follow the definition for the term “gender,” which is used of a global institution, the WHO 12,13…”

Transgenerational influence of parental morphine exposure on pain perception, anxiety-like behavior and passive avoidance memory among male and female offspring of Wistar rats

“…The pioneer studies revealed that males exhibit greater symptoms of withdrawal compared to females (Becker et al, 2017[11]). Moreover, males have a longer period of abstinence, and females are more likely to relapse compared to males (Becker et al, 2017[11]). Furthermore, ovarian hormones influence the drug taking in female rats.…”

“…The alteration of the hormone level during the estrous cycle might enhance the initial reinforcement effect that the lad females get from drugs abuse. However, once the addictive behavior was established, the hormone does not play a role (Becker et al, 2017[11]). Moreover, females exhibit higher reinstatement in drugs and morphine seeking compared to the males (Anker and Carroll, 2010[6]; Feltenstein et al, 2011[25]; Becker and Koob, 2016[10]).…”

“…For instance, males take the drug as an engagement in risky behaviors in order to be a part of the group, while females tend to experience the pleasurable response of the drugs (Becker et al, 2017[11]). Evidence showed that males and females are different in nociception; the females had higher pain perception and they showed a more negative response to the pain (Fillingim and Gear 2004[27]).…”

“…Sex-differences as a biological factor interact with epigenetic, genetics and environmental factors to mediate pathways for expression of special traits and it is considered important for addiction studies (Becker et al, 2017[11]). Furthermore, in neuroscience researches, female rats are not included due to the hormonal excretion and reproductive cycle.…”