Although gender-based differences in substance abuse patterns have been declining, men are still significantly more likely than women to develop an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Understanding the factors that can make men vulnerable to addiction can help you better determine the type of care your loved one needs.
There is no single factor that causes someone to develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Experts believe it is a complex interaction between genetic risk factors and environmental triggers. However, gender-based expectations for what constitutes “masculine” behavior can put men at an added risk of drug or alcohol abuse.
According to the book Men and Addictions, men tend to view substance abuse less negatively than women. They often associate drinking to excess and experimenting with illicit drugs as a rite of passage or a sign of manly behavior.
In comparison, women tend to see substance use as behavior that is incompatible with feminine caregiving and family responsibilities. They may also view substance abuse as behavior that could place them at risk of sexual assault or cause them to be viewed negatively by the people around them.
The term toxic masculinity is used to refer to socially constructed ideas about what it means to be a man that have a negative overall effect on a man’s wellbeing. This includes the belief that behaviors traditionally identified as feminine are inherently weak and undesirable.
The pressure to be seen as masculine by their peer group can push men to consume addictive substances more frequently than they would on their own. Over time, peer pressure can lead to an addiction in an individual who has genetic vulnerabilities or other risk factors for developing a substance use disorder.
In comparison, women who struggle with addiction often report that substance abuse began as a way to self-medicate negative mental health symptoms. However, pressure from intimate partners does often play a role in the development of substance use disorders among women.
Fear, anger, disappointment, and frustration are natural parts of the human experience. However, processing these emotions in a healthy way can be a challenge for many individuals.
According to a study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology in 2011, men are more likely to externalize negative emotions. This leads to behavior that is aggressive, impulsive, and coercive. The study, which looked at the behaviors of over more than 43,000 adults, found that this tendency was linked to higher rates of substance abuse disorders.
In addition to increasing the risk of substance abuse, externalizing negative emotions is problematic because it can lead to reckless driving, physical disputes, and other acts that cause self-harm. In extreme cases, troubled men may make deliberate suicide attempts.
Strong connections with other people play a tremendous role in an individual’s mental health. Close friends give you someone to talk to after a bad day. When you tell them your problems, they offer a balanced perspective on what’s troubling you. They provide protection against loneliness and isolation. If they see you’re struggling, they intervene and try to help.
Unfortunately, men are less likely than women to have these types of strong social ties. Male friendships often center on shared interests and activities, as opposed to talking about feelings or daily struggles.
For many men, their spouse is their primary source of emotional support. Unfortunately, if the marriage dissolves, this places a man at a high risk of substance abuse. Psychology Today notes that substance abuse among men is often linked to the stress of divorce or unemployment.
Addiction is a progressive illness. The signs of a problem with substance abuse can be easy to miss at first. Men who have been conditioned to believe they can solve their problems on their own may stay in denial about their substance abuse until a crisis situation pushes them to seek treatment. A reluctance to ask for help with personal problems is especially common in the veteran community, which contributes to the high rate of substance use disorders in this demographic group.
In comparison, women are typically more open to asking for help with problems in all areas of their lives. This willingness to seek expert assistance often results in earlier intervention—placing women on the road to recovery before a crisis situation occurs.
Men with substance abuse disorders don’t have to suffer in silence. Help is available. Waypoint Recovery Center provides personalized care to fit each client’s unique needs, offering both inpatient residential treatment and an intensive outpatient program. Family therapy is also provided to strengthen the support system necessary to promote lasting sobriety.
Talking about sexual dysfunction can be embarrassing, but this is an issue that is quite common among both men and women seeking substance abuse treatment.If you’re experiencing difficulties, it’s important to keep in mind that the condition is likely only temporary and can be helped with the same strategies used to promote long-term sobriety.
Unfortunately, there is no “quick fix” for substance use disorders.Detox gets addictive substances out of your body, but this is only the beginning of the recovery process. Without addressing the underlying issues that contributed to your drug or alcohol abuse, you are likely to relapse soon after you are thrust back into your normal routine.
Watching a loved one struggle with a substance abuse disorder can be very difficult.However, as a family member, there are several ways that you can help support the recovery process. Your actions can provide encouragement, accountability, and inspiration as your loved one works to develop a foundation for sobriety.
Seeking residential treatment for drug or alcohol addiction can provide a fresh start for someone hoping to break free from the burden of an uncontrolled substance use disorder.
As you’re researching your recovery center options, however, there are several factors you should consider to help you choose the treatment that’s right for you.
Hobbies relieve stress, eliminate boredom, and provide a sense of accomplishment. This greatly reduces your risk of relapse as you make the transition back to independent living.
If you’re having trouble deciding what activities you might enjoy, use this list as a starting point.
Pick a few activities that sound like fun, then see what sparks your passion.
Fentanyl related overdose deaths increased in the United States by 72 percent from 2014 and 2015.Overdose deaths continue to rise each year as public health experts and law enforcement officials struggle to control the opioid epidemic.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid pain reliever, is often used as an anesthetic in hospitals. It is also prescribed to some patients for severe pain, such as after major surgery or to relieve pain from cancer. Since it is one of the strongest opioid drugs available, it quickly eliminates pain. However, fentanyl can also be very addictive when abused.
Making the decision to get sober requires rethinking every aspect of your daily routine, as well as your own personal beliefs.Shifting your perspective to promote a growth mindset is one key way you can help build the foundation for sobriety.
The concept of a fixed mindset vs. a growth mindset was developed by Carol S. Dweck, the Lewis and Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology at Stanford University. She believes success in any given task can be largely attributed to whether someone has developed a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.