Women, opioid use and addiction

In the midst of current coronavirus pandemic, United States continues to struggle with an ongoing opioid epidemic, initially fueled by widespread prescribing medications during 1990s. The primary reason for opioids is treat pain. Women have more acute and chronic pain been prescribed these drugs in significantly greater numbers than men. Comparison women men also shows that receive majority prescription opioids, use became major pathway misuse addiction women. Yet, recognition extent women's exposure attendant consequences has limited. Attempts stem overall tide epidemic focused on reducing availability opioids. However, as difficult obtain treatment opportunities were limited, many turned other synthetic such heroin fentanyl. Thus, public health crisis endured. This paper highlights importance understanding differences among its biological psychosocial effects advance gender-based approaches effective policy.