Why is a gender perspective needed in the drug field? Insight from the latest European drugs data.

Introduction

Despite gender differences in use, consequences and responses to drug use, a systematic gender perspective on monitoring and responses has not been systematically applied in the drug field. In the presentation we discuss the role of gender, as a set of cultural and social norms, in drug use behaviours, and discuss the need of  a gender perspective.

Method

Overview of latest EUDA data by sex (and gender where available) on drug use, selected drug-related harms and responses, in the EU 27 countries, Norway and Turkey. Data from the indicators on drug prevalence, treatment, infectious diseases, drug related deaths, prison, interventions.  Differences are presented as male to female ratios (M/F). 

Results

In 2021 around 50 million men and 33 million women have tried any illicit drug (M/F =1.5).  Prevalence is higher among men in all countries and for all drugs. M/F ratios are the highest for cocaine and the lowest for amphetamines (drug use prevalence and drug treatment demand). M/F ratios are lower for licit compared to illicit drugs. M/F ratios are higher in the north compared to the south of Europe; and lower among young compared to old people. The M/F ratio increases with the frequency of use, being the highest for people who have used in the last month. The M/F ratios for HIV and for HCV infection are < 1 in many countries. The proportion of drug overdose with suicidal intent is higher among females compared to males in most countries. The prevalence of use among women in prison is higher compared to that  among women in the community. Non-binary people have distinct patterns of drug use.

Data showed the key role of gender in the drug issue: e.g. women adopt socially acceptable behaviours; country variations by gender mirror gender equality in general population; non binary people have distinct drug use patterns; masculinity is important role but is under studied.

In Europe most drug related interventions with a gender perspective target pregnant women/mothers; sometimes women subjected to gender based violence. Women with experiences, non-binary persons, LGBTQIA+ are neglected, as well as needs associated with masculinity.

EUDA describes recommendations for gender responsive interventions. Those include: person-centred approach considering biological and social gender differences; facilitated treatment access for gender specific needs, trauma-informed interventions, reduction of gender related stigma (multiplied for LGBTQIA+, women, non-binary); training of staff; research.

WHO offers a reference for a gender responsive approach in health, ranging from gender-unequal (perpetuating gender inequality) to gender transformative (promoting gender equality).

Gender, as set of social norms and expected behaviours, plays a key role in the drug phenomenon. The EUDA will ensure that a gender perspective is more systematically included in the monitoring, analysis, planning and implementation of health and social responses to the drug issues.