Addiction in Men

According to research, men are most likely to develop an addiction than women. However, how men experience addiction now versus in the early 20th century has changed dramatically. From societal pressures to appear tough to financial stressors that encourage substance abuse as a coping mechanism, men face countless obstacles with substance and alcohol use disorder.

Understanding Substance Abuse in Men

For many years, addiction research focused more on men than other genders. However, that doesn’t mean we know the exact mechanisms that lead to addiction in men. We know that anyone of any gender, race, age, or background can struggle with addiction. Certain substances may have vastly different effects on a person depending on these factors.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction (also known as substance use disorder) is a chronic disease where the individual has no control over the doing, taking, or using of a substance despite the obvious harmful side effects. Many factors may contribute to the development of addiction, but studies suggest the interactions between environment, genetics, and brain functions lead to this compulsive and often destructive pattern of behavior. Although addiction treatment improves daily, addressing substance abuse can be challenging. Many people who struggle with addiction tend to abuse drugs or alcohol secretly, making it much harder for a loved one to notice the addictive behavior.

Differences Between Addiction in Men and Women

With so much early research focused on addiction in men, some clear patterns have emerged. Studies have shown that, generally, men are more like to become addicts than women. Research also shows that men are more likely to experience social and economic problems due to addiction. According to research in 2016 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 9,978 men died from a prescription opioid overdose compared to 7,109 women—an average of 27 men per day compared to 19 women. NIDA also reports that men are more likely than women to use most illicit drugs, including cannabis, illegal stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, and hallucinogens.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that men are about twice as likely as women to binge drink. In addition, men are more likely to abuse substances due to peer pressure and the effects of strict gender roles. When applying these virtues to substance abuse, it’s easy to see how such a mentality could reinforce substance abuse and addiction—and prevent men from seeking help.

Causes of Substance Use Disorder in Men

Although the exact cause of addiction isn’t known, studies point to a combination of genetic predisposition (i.e., family history), upbringing, and major life events like the passing of a loved one or traumatic experience.

How addiction affects each person depends on these factors, but men may experience added pressure from peers, societal expectations, and the expectation to be unemotional.

Stigmas around getting help and being vulnerable may be frowned upon in some families and cultures. These stigmas create barriers to treatment for men whose lives and well-being depend on it.

Risk Factors for Addiction in Men

A common risk factor, regardless of gender, includes a history of addiction in the family. Because certain genes are linked to patterns of addiction, awareness of addiction within your family can help avoid certain risks. While genetics pose a risk for any gender, men have an increased risk.

Self-Medicating Risks

Self-medicating can be found across all genders. While often more common in women, studies show that men also use substances as self-medication. In some cases, this self-medication results from a lack of access to mental health services.

Men may choose to depend on substances to cope with symptoms of other conditions rather than speak with a therapist or loved one about their troubles and appear “weak.” Some may try to numb chronic pain or combat exhaustion with substances.

Co-Occurring Mental Illness

Getting treatment for co-occurring mental illnesses comes with its own stigmas. Men are often discouraged from seeking help for mental health, so with few “acceptable” options, many look to substance use to handle their symptoms. Mental illnesses that commonly coincide with substance use include the following:

Schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorders I & II
Clinical depression
Anxiety disorders
Eating disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Borderline personality disorder

How Substance Use Affects Men’s Health

Prolonged addiction in men elevates their risk for the following negative side effects:

Mental illness
Skin infections
Lung disease
Heart disease
Stroke
Hepatitis C
HIV/AIDs
Cancer
Sperm count
Sexual performance (e.g., erectile dysfunction)