National Institute on Drug Abuse Research Report Series
Women and men may face unique issues when it comes to substance use, as a result of both sex and gender. Sex differences result from biology, or being genetically female or male, while gender differences are based on culturally defined roles for men and women, as well as those who feel uncomfortable identifying with either category; such roles influence how people perceive themselves and how they interact with others (ORWH, 2015; Wizemann & Pardue, 2001). Sex and gender can also interact with each other to create even more complex differences between men and women.
