Substance addiction is a serious problem that affects a lot of individuals. The majority of addicts
desire to stop using drugs, but it’s never simple. There are several obstacles in the road, some
of which may be more important for males than women.
An addiction is a deeply rooted behavioral habit that can last for many years, even decades.
Furthermore, abusing substances is frequently a bad coping mechanism for other problems,
including trauma or mental illness.
Overcoming addiction is never simple for anybody, but each person’s unique struggles vary
based on their age, sexual orientation, and past experiences. Men, for instance, encounter
particular difficulties in their addiction recovery.
Seven Difficulties for Men Seeking Addiction Recovery
- Men Use Substances More Frequently
To begin with, males are more prone than women to use alcohol and drugs. This changes a
little based on the medication. males and women may use opioids similarly, for instance, but
males are two to three times more likely than women to develop an alcohol use disorder. The
distribution of stimulant usage is more equal; males make up around 60% of cocaine users.
This difference can be attributed to several factors. One is that substance usage is not as
hazardous in the eyes of males. Should you perceive illegal substances as harmless, your
reluctance to experiment with them will decrease.
Another factor is that women are still stigmatized more than males when it comes to drug and
alcohol use. In actuality, consuming alcohol has long been associated with men. While women
are more likely to be exposed to illicit substances through an intimate partner, which reduces
their exposure, males are more likely to drink and take drugs with their friends.
Third, males are more prone to use drugs or alcohol as a kind of self-medication for mental
health problems. Men are less likely than women to seek out men’s addiction treatment centers
and to use drugs as a coping mechanism for mental health problems.
Men are also more likely to act recklessly, particularly when they are depressed or experiencing
other mental health issues. Men are about twice as likely to die from an overdose, which may
have something to do with it.
- Men Are Less Likely to Accept Assistance
Men are less likely than women to seek treatment for a wide range of problems, such as
substance abuse and mental health disorders. Generally speaking, men are supposed to be
tough, stoic, and independent.
Men are instilled with the belief that they must handle their problems from an early age. Many
men believe that seeking assistance for a drug use problem is a show of weakness or that they
are incapable of handling their issues tanzohub.
- Men Are Less Likely to Share
Men are frequently reluctant to participate in drug misuse treatment programs, particularly group
therapy, when they do seek assistance. Men frequently struggle to recognize and express their
feelings. Being vulnerable in therapy is something that many guys find unpleasant.
This is particularly valid for males who believe they have an image to maintain. Even if therapy
is private, they might not feel confident enough to be vulnerable. Additionally, guys are typically
more competitive, which might compromise group therapy’s encouraging atmosphere.
- Men Are Generally Less Social
Rehab revolves around solid support from sober friends and family. These might be folks you
meet during therapy, 12-step group members, encouraging friends, or relatives. Your chance of
relapsing decreases with more involvement in your sober network.
Regretfully, males are less likely than women to feel at ease meeting new acquaintances. Men
may thus be more prone to have insufficient social support, which can exacerbate feelings of
alienation and loneliness, or they may choose to spend time with old acquaintances who
jeopardize their efforts to rehabilitate.
- Men Are More Likely to Relapse
Men are more likely than women to relapse, according to studies. One UCLA research tracked
participants from 26 therapy programs totaling over 300. Compared to 32% of the males, just
22% of the women had relapsed after six months. That is a notable distinction. According to the
researchers, the degree to which patients were participating in their therapy was the most
plausible explanation for the disparity.
The men attended just 7.9 group therapy sessions monthly, whereas the women attended 10.9
sessions on average. This gap could be a reflection of some of the previously mentioned
distinctions.
- Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders Are More Common in Men
Addiction to drugs and co-occurring mental health conditions are strongly correlated. Although it
is not more frequent in men than in women, males are more likely to have certain mental health
disorders that are strongly associated with drug addiction.
Men who suffer from addiction may struggle with conditions including antisocial personality
disorder, ADHD, and schizophrenia. These may lead to a rise in drug misuse among males by
raising the risk of addiction.
- Men Are More Likely to Have Undiagnosed Mental Illnesses
Psychiatric problems can impede the rehabilitation process from addiction by causing drug
usage. This implies that to effectively combat your drug addiction, you must first determine
whether you are experiencing any of these problems.
As was previously said, males frequently lack the finest support systems and are less willing to
contribute. Because of things like these, males are less likely to recognize that they have any
mental health issues, which can complicate the healing process in general.
In the end!
Long-term success in addiction treatment requires addressing men’s difficulties. Because males
have particular problems, professionals might modify therapy procedures to better accompany
them on their path. To foster an atmosphere where men feel empowered to accept weakness
and ask for assistance, it is imperative that society as a whole actively combat stigmas and
redefine strength.
Although recovery is a unique and continuous process, men may overcome their addictions and
create a better, more satisfying future for themselves if they have the appropriate understanding
and support.
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