Gender differences in drug use behaviors for the schedule 1 and schedule 2 drug addicts

• In Event: Illicit drug use and offending

Abstract

Gender differences in substance abuse have always been the focus of research circles. To explore the gender differences in drug use behaviors among drug users, this study conducted research surveys on 600 male drug addicts in compulsive drug rehabilitation centers and 585 female drug addicts in women's prisons in Taiwan for the year 2022. The study attempts to explore gender differences in drug use behavior of schedule I and II drugs in terms of the characteristics of drug use behavior, transaction methods, motivation of use, multiple drug abuse use, and related mental health conditions.
This study found that males had a more positive attitude toward drug use, while women were more aware of the negative impact of drugs. In terms of the reasons for drug use, women are more likely to be influenced by others; men are more likely to use drugs because of stress or sensation seeking. Moreover, compared with male drug users, peers and friends strongly influence females' drug use behavior. Also, female drug users had a higher proportion of drug trafficking behaviors before they were sent to prison. In addition, male users have more obvious emotional feelings and higher emotional reactions.
The study suggested that the correctional institutions can assist female inmates in developing interpersonal skills and establishing their correct values to reduce their negative influence from intimate partners. Furthermore, promote the male’s coping skill, decrease their expectations from drugs, enhance their' willingness to share emotions are suggested. The implications of the study are further discussed in the paper.

Author

• Shu-Lung Yang, the Department of Criminology, National Chung Cherng University