(Image courtesy of Eric Norris)

(Image courtesy of Eric Norris)

Women suffering from opioid addiction are more likely to become addicted from doctor-prescribed painkillers, such as OxyContin and codeine, than men according to a new study. Researchers believe more studies examining the development and effects of opioid addiction in women are needed to provide better treatment options.

The study of 503 patients attending methadone clinics in Ontario found the women were more likely to have physical and psychological health problems, and were more likely to have a family history of psychiatric illness than the men.   

Original research paper published in Biology of Sex Differences on November 9, 2015.

Names and affiliations of selected author

Zainab Samaan, MiNDS Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario