Issues Affecting Men and Addiction

Many situations and stressors can increase a person's risk of using alcohol and other drugs to self-medicate. Some people may even develop an addiction, where they become reliant on substances to deal with their stressors. All different types of people can struggle with substance abuse. At West Coast Recovery Centers, we understand the importance of acknowledging the issues that each individual may face because of their life circumstances, race, sexuality, or even gender. While both men and women struggle with addiction, they each experience unique stressors that increase their vulnerability to using alcohol and other drugs.

For example, many different stressors may affect men. Men may struggle with handling the weight of pressures put on them by their families, society, and even other men. The societal expectations put on men to be providers may inform further stress and cause someone to turn to substance use. There is also a cultural expectation for men not to show emotion and to manage stress in isolation. This causes many men to struggle on their own without seeking help, which can exacerbate existing issues. When anyone struggles with mental health issues or substance abuse, it is important to reach out for help to manage it before it gets worse. 

Understanding Risk Factors of Addiction for Men

Emotional regulation is something that everyone struggles with from time to time. Yet, for men, emotional struggles tend to be overlooked. Indeed, societal pressures and expectations can affect men's mental health. Men are more likely to struggle with disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are also more likely to die by suicide than women, despite women being more likely to be diagnosed with mental health disorders. This may also be because men are less likely to engage in mental health treatment when they are struggling.

The lack of mental health treatment participation causes men to suffer in silence, without external support. Despite this, isolation can cause mental health disorders to get worse and exacerbate their symptoms. Many men feel fear about reaching out for help. Part of this is due to harmful expectations for men. When there is a lot of pressure and isolation in someone's life, they may turn to substances to deal with the stressors. Moreover, substance abuse and isolation tend to exacerbate one another, creating a vicious cycle that can feel impossible to break out of.

The pressure of being a provider or leader is another issue that men may struggle with. When someone feels that they need to be the sole provider, they may feel that they cannot reach out for help. This pressure to be a provider may also cause men to overwork themselves.  Men may have been made to feel that they need to be the leader, which means that they can't show any emotion or be vulnerable about their weaknesses. Much of this comes from toxic masculinity ideals that are taught to men and force them to struggle alone. 

Toxic Masculinity

Toxic masculinity can be described as behaviors or beliefs centered around how a man “should be.” Masculinity and masculine traits and interests are not the problem, but when these become strict and harmful to the individual, they are not healthy. Much of toxic masculinity in America consists of the belief that men shouldn't express their emotions. Said differently, displays of emotions may be seen as weak or feminine. This can be damaging for boys and men, causing them to neglect their emotional wellness. 

There isn't anything wrong with things that are traditionally associated with men or masculinity. Yet, when men are pushed to struggle alone or not feel their emotions, it can cause their struggles to get worse. Feeling negative emotions, crying, and getting upset are normal and healthy reactions that should not be pushed down. When someone neglects their emotional side, they may be at risk of turning to substances and worsening their health. 

Importance of Recovery for Men in Addiction

The pressure on men to handle their issues alone may cause some men to be nervous or reluctant to get treatment. Finding a provider that recognizes this and meets you where you are is important to your long-term recovery. At West Coast Recovery Centers, we focus on giving each client our personalized attention and care. We can take your interests and personal identity to create an effective treatment plan. The goal of these plans is to help you get into and stay in recovery. 

In other words, we can meet you where you are and help you ease into focusing on your health. If you struggle with substance abuse and mental health issues, it is important to recognize that you are not alone. Treatment will give you the skills that you need to be the healthiest version of yourself and handle stressors in your life. It will also connect you to a community of people who are experiencing the same thing as you. This will allow you to see and feel that you are not alone. 

Many things can cause someone to turn to substances in their lives to handle stress. Men experience specific societal stressors and experiences that may cause them to feel alone. Sometimes men may feel that they are not supposed to reach out for help because it can be a sign of weakness. Toxic masculinity, or the belief that men should not experience certain types of emotions, can be very unhealthy.  Struggling is not a sign of weakness, and getting help shows your inner strength. Getting addiction treatment will give you control back in your life and reaffirm how strong you are inside. To learn more about treatment for men with addiction, call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509.