Sex and Gender in Addiction

Sex and gender play a significant role in addictive disorders. There are demonstrated, clinically important sex differences at every stage of addiction from initiation, transition to substance use disorder, to withdrawal and recovery. However, until recently, there has been little focus on sex and gender as a variable in both pre-clinical and clinical research globally. This has led to a critical gap in understanding how addictive disorders develop and present in women as compared to men. Research into sex and gender differences in addiction treatment could shed light on new pharmacological and psychotherapeutic targets, informing future treatment implementation, programming and policy. In addition, research specifically focused on women’s experiences of addiction will contribute to more targeted treatment approaches.  

This Research Topic will highlight research focused on sex and gender differences in addiction and women’s experiences of addiction. We are interested in interdisciplinary approaches, clinical studies and pre-clinical studies with potential translational significance.

Research should address the following points:  

-     Sex/gender differences as a key research question OR

-     Women’s experience of addictive disorders and/or addiction treatment

-     Highlight implications and next steps for future research and clinical efforts in this area, as well as gendered approaches to service programming and implementation

We welcome a broad range of contributions, including Original Research, Reviews, Commentaries, Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, Reflections and Case Studies or Case Series. We are particularly seeking contributions from early career researchers, those from minority populations and diverse backgrounds, and from low- and middle- income countries.