The Truths About Men & Substance Use
If there’s one thing about substance use you need to know, it’s this: It doesn’t discriminate. Rich, poor, young, old…substance use can (and does) affect everyone.
But it also affects everyone differently.
We didn’t always realize that, however. For decades, addiction researchers have almost exclusively focused their work on men and substance use. When they broadened their focus during the 1990s, researchers discovered that women experience these same issues in ways substantially different from men.
This broader focus also threw a sharper light on substance abuse in men. Due in part to gender stereotypes and stigmas, men also face distinct barriers to addiction treatment.
Men & Substance Use: The Differences
The biggest difference between men and women when it comes to substance abuse is that men are more likely than women to use nearly every type of illicit drug (including prescription abuse). Men also use substances in different ways from women and tend to start using substances at a younger age.
Alarmingly, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that drug use is much more likely to result in emergency room visits for men than it is for women.
There are more differences between men and women when it comes to substance use. Here are some statistics published by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics:
- 22% of males used illegal drugs (or abused prescription drugs) during the past year, as opposed to 17% of women
- 4% of men and 3.5% of women abuse opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and codeine
- 1% of men and 1.6% of women abuse prescription stimulants like Adderall
That said, NIDA also reports that while men may use drugs more often than women, both genders are just as likely to develop a substance use disorder (SUD). Also, some research appears to show that rates of substance abuse between men and women may be equalizing.
Interestingly, men also seem to use certain drugs (and experience distinct effects) differently from women. Cannabis/marijuana is a great example of these differences.
Alcohol is another example. Men do appear to drink more than women do, but women appear to suffer more damage – and get addicted faster – from alcohol use. Known as “telescoping,” it’s a phenomenon in which women experience a shorter journey from alcohol use to addiction.
Men & Substance Use: Are Men More Likely to Use Substances?
Studies have shown that men are more likely to use substances. Pew Research notes that men also start using alcohol and/or drugs at earlier ages than women, are more likely to drink excessively than women, and engage in risky behavior like drunk driving.
Why, though?
Like so many questions about addiction, there isn’t one clear answer why men seem to be more prone to substance use. Many factors, like social pressures and assumptions, seem to play roles in why men engage in substance use.
Let’s look at them in greater detail.
Men & Substance Use: Some of the Challenges Driving Substance Use in Men
Men often face unique challenges, many of which are related to cultural expectations, gender and self-image. Combined, the stresses these challenges cause can lead to substance abuse in men.
Some of these challenges include:
Gender Stereotypes
It’s never easy to ask for help. For men, though, it can be especially difficult. There’s an unfortunate notion that asking for help means you’re being weak or less of a man. It’s why many men turn to substance use for relief as a way to deal with stressful or difficult thoughts and emotions.
Injuries
A higher percentage of men tend to work in jobs involving physical labor. These jobs also come with a higher risk of on-the-job injury, which can lead to chronic pain, which in turn is sometimes treated with painkillers like OxyContin. NIDA warns that prescription opioids are a risk factor for addiction, and over-prescription of opioids plays a major role in the ongoing addiction crisis.
Social Pressures
Stress and anxiety are rough for everybody. Combine that with an expectation that you’re supposed to be tough and gut out difficult times, along with a lack of support from your friends, and it’s easy to see why turning to substance use is common among men.
Fear of Being Vulnerable
Here’s another reason so many people (not just men) struggle with asking for help: it’s an admission of vulnerability. Unfortunately, many men are raised with the idea that being emotionally vulnerable is a sign of weakness. It isn’t; asking for help is actually brave, but it’s a big hurdle for many.
Effective Substance Use Treatment for Men
The good news is that men’s substance abuse treatment is effective, although many treatment centers like Cliffside Malibu address the specific behavioral health needs of men.
Tailored treatment programs are important. At Cliffside, our male clients are made to feel welcomed, with groups aimed specifically at their needs. Gender-specific groups like these make our clients feel more comfortable, which in turn helps our clients open up, share their experiences, and heal more effectively.
Psychotherapy (or talk therapy) plays a big role in recovery, too. Effective and based on real evidence, talk therapy can help change a person’s mindset for the better, helping them become stronger, more resilient, and in charge of their emotions.
These therapies include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that helps people change harmful behavior patterns, like using substances to manage difficult emotions and other forms of stress.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is similar to CBT, but it’s aimed at people who experience intense emotions. DBT helps people master their emotions, finding healthier (and more effective) ways to handle difficult situations.
Men’s Mental Health & Substance Use
There is a close relationship between mental health and substance use. But it’s not really a chicken-or-the-egg situation. Instead, these two issues often fuel and drive each other.
Addressing co-occurring disorders, like depression and alcohol abuse, is key to helping men recover from substance use.
How to Support a Man Struggling with Substance Use
Supporting a man who’s struggling with substance use isn’t easy…but it’s worth it. However, it’s important to do it effectively. Here are some simple tips:
- Educate Yourself: Learning how substances and mental health interact will help you recognize the symptoms and where to go for help.
- Find the Right Time: This isn’t the easiest conversation to have, so it’s important to find a good time and place to have it. The best place is one you’re both familiar with and comfortable with. It’s also wise to pick a time when you have time to have the conversation.
- Show You’re Concerned: Try not to talk at your loved one. Instead, calmly explain why you’re concerned about their behavior and substance use. Show that you’re listening and open to what you’re saying.
- Talk About the Next Steps: Open-ended questions can be really helpful. “Do you think we should talk with someone?” is a question that can work better with men than saying, “I think you need help.”
If you’re a man and you’re getting the impression that substances are running your life, you’re not weak. You just need some specialized support that’ll help YOU take your life back.
Cliffside Malibu offers effective, evidence-based treatment for substance use. By using a distinct Stages of Change model, we’ll be able to carefully monitor your progress while under our care. Our programming options will make your time with us comfortable…and successful.
Reach out to us at (855) 403-5641 to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is substance abuse in men different from women?
There are many differences in how men and women use substances. Men are more likely to become addicted to substances, are more susceptible to peer pressure, and more.
What are some of the challenges involved with men and substance use?
Social expectations and pressures play a large role in why men engage in substance use.
Are men more prone to substance use?
Yes. Studies conducted by NIDA have shown that men are more prone to substance use than women.
Can the problems caused by men and substance use be treated effectively?
Yes! Gender-specific programming and evidence-based methods like talk therapy can help men struggling with substance abuse live happy, fulfilling lives.