Are Men More Prone to Addiction?

Addiction spares no one.

No matter your age, race, socioeconomic background, sexual preference, or community standing, addiction is an equal opportunity destroyer of lives. Substance abuse impacts the user’s life and their family. While people from all walks of life can become addicted to drugs and alcohol, some segments of the population may be more vulnerable to developing a substance abuse issue. One of these vulnerable populations is men.

This article will better answer the question men are more prone to addiction. This article will also outline the role of gender in addiction and the underlying reasons why men, in general, are more prone to substance abuse. If you are a man who is fighting a losing battle with drug and alcohol addiction, The Last House can help you! Our Southern California sober living housing network features a dynamic hybrid of evidence-based sober living programs and clinical support, which will help you rise above addiction once and for all.

The Last House is a structured sober living home for men in Los Angeles. Call The Last House today and break free from addiction for good.

The Role of Gender in the Development of Addiction

In a discussion of male addiction, it is important to understand what role gender plays in the development of addiction as a whole. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience outlines how men and women become addicted to substances:

• In general, men use substances to feel like they belong to a group. Additionally, men are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors and are more gradual in their escalation of substance abuse.
• In general, women use substances to experience their pleasurable effects and are more likely to self-medicate. The escalation towards addiction is quicker, and women take higher doses of substances.
• While gender is a factor in the development of substance abuse, it is not the major overriding factor. Addiction is a complex condition, and many factors lead people to abuse substances. The most common of these factors include family history and genetics, the environment, and the presence of mental illness.

Are Men More Prone to Addiction?

As already discussed, myriad factors make men more prone to addiction. However, there are risk factors unique to men that make them more vulnerable to developing a substance abuse issue. These factors are the following:

Tolerant Attitudes

For many men, the use of drugs and alcohol is seen as a “rite of passage” into manhood. While this viewpoint seems far-fetched, it can account for a more tolerant view of men who drink and use drugs.

” Toxic Masculinity”

In the past few years, the term toxic masculinity has crept into the American vocabulary. The concept of toxic masculinity can be defined as the narrow viewpoint of manhood in and of itself. This mindset shows that “manly” traits such as status, aggression, and sex are desirable, while being vulnerable and open to show feelings is seen as weak. To “keep up appearances,” men may use substances as a way to show toughness and strength.

Weaker Social Ties to Others

Compared to women, men are more solitary and have friendships based on shared interests and not on opening up and based on sharing feelings. Because men find it more difficult to share their thoughts and feelings, they may turn to substances as a coping mechanism.

Reluctant to Ask For Help

Compared to women, men are more reluctant to seek help if they are struggling with addiction. Men tend to take on problems themselves and try to solve issues on their own In general, men will only seek professional help when a crisis pushes them toward treatment.

Are You Struggling With Drug Addiction And Need Help?

Drug addiction can make you feel hopeless and causes heartbreak for those you love. While you may feel there is no hope for you to get better, The Last House can help you get your life back. The Last House is Southern California’s premier sober living housing network. Our sober living houses are state-of-the-art and provide all clients with the programs and support they need to get and stay sober. Take back control of your health and life and call The Last House toll-free today.