Women hardest hit by opioid epidemic.

• Position: Your Life

Much attention has been paid to the problem of men suffering from substance use disorder, but concern for women who become dependent on opioid painkillers has fallen short, indicates Kent Runyon, compliance officer for Novus Medical Detox Center, New Port Richey, Fla. Since 1999, fatal overdoses from prescription pain medications has risen 400% among female patients, compared to a 237% increase in fatal overdoses in male populations.

The proportion of women using il licit drugs also is increasing at a faster rate than of men, but physician referrals to appropriate detox and treatment facilities are low. Some 3.2% of women are referred to detox programs, regardless of whether or not they would like such a referral. While women are more likely to receive individual counseling, they are less likely to take advantage of detox, even if they are referred to such programs.

Barriers to effective treatment for females with substance use disorders are many. Responsibilities to children and the household can make some women unwilling to seek professional help, and risk factors such as emotional and psychological distress are more commonly identified in women. Many are financially dependent on spouses, and cannot afford treatment on their own.

The process of becoming addicted often follows a different pathway for women than with men. In general, females use smaller amounts of...