 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Sonya Butler Merrill, PhD, Deputy Director, National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, P. O. Box 2345, Rockville, MD 20847-2345, 301-468-2600 (ext. 312), smerrill@shs.net and Nelia C. Nadal, MPH, CHES, Division of Prevention Application and Education, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockwall 2, Ste. 800, Rockville, MD 20857.
Abstract:
The discussion considers how and at what ages males and females use addictive substances similarly and at what ages the addictive patterns in each gender differ. The presentation provides examples from national studies and credible data sources that seem to indicate that there is a gender/age relationship that results in a convergence or a divergence in substance use. To that end, the presentation considers the key implications for the gender convergence/divergence dilemma, including the impact of the choice of substance, key socioeconomic factors, and critical life-change issues. For example, the presentation identifies that the most notable convergence in substance use occurs in adolescence. Interestingly, the literature suggests the reason for the convergence differs by gender.
The presentation guides participants through a series of speculations about why the convergence or divergence between the sexes occurs and provides supporting documentation. The presentation concludes with suggestions for policy recommendations to address differences in age and gender risk patterns, including reinforcement strategies to maximize the convergent/divergent patterns that are risk averse.
Objectives:
The learning objectives of the presentation are: (1) To improve awareness of the impact of key demographics on substance use; (2) To improve the awareness of professionals in the substance abuse field about the need to tailor interventions to address gender-specific issues across the age spectrum; (3) To consider strategies for tailoring programs and services to address the age/gender convergence/divergence dilemma.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Gender, Substance Abuse
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.