There isn’t a single identifiable risk factor that causes someone to be more likely to misuse substances, and researchers believe it’s a complex dynamic of genetic influences and environmental pressures. Anyone can become addicted to drugs or alcohol, but addiction affects men and women differently.
Men are more likely than women to use illicit substances and multiple drugs at a higher rate. The elevated risk for substance misuse likely stems from a variety of risk factors, including:
Cultural influences: Men are often introduced to alcohol or drugs by their peers at an early age. Early usage and peer pressure increase the likelihood of addiction. There is also a unique culture around substance use in male friend groups. Men often drink together when they socialize, and some may use illicit substances. Traditional ideas of masculinity are still deeply rooted in society, and men may think that talking to a professional or seeking help when they’re stressed is a sign of weakness. They may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with these feelings instead.
Physical conditions: Some people use substances to cope with physical pain caused by specific physical conditions. In particular, people who are given opioids to cope with their pain after surgery or a chronic illness may develop an addiction to these medications. Once their treatment has ended, their body still has a chemical and psychological dependence on the drug, and they may use illicit methods to obtain prescription medications.
Life pressures: There are a lot of stressors in life that could trigger someone to start using drugs or alcohol. If someone is struggling with finances, work-life balance or personal relationships, they may turn to substances to cope with stress. Other environmental factors can contribute to substance misuse as well, such as poverty, childcare and loneliness.
Mental illness: People diagnosed with a substance use disorder often have a co-occurring mental health disorder. Many people use substances to cope with the symptoms of mental illness and find temporary relief, though substance use makes these symptoms worse in the long run.
Family history: If a man has a family history of addiction, genetics may be at play. Genetic makeup can be linked to half of someone’s predisposition for substance misuse. Additionally, if a man grew up around family members who used drugs or alcohol, they may view the behavior as normal and be more likely to experiment with substances in their adolescent and adult life.
Trauma: Traumatic events, such as war, car accidents or childhood and domestic abuse, often cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People with this condition might use substances to cope with distressing feelings and other associated symptoms. While drugs and alcohol may provide temporary relief, PTSD symptoms are usually made worse with long-term use.
Lack of a support network: Men don’t always have the same robust support network as women due to the culture surrounding masculinity. They may feel weak by reaching out to their friends or family to ask for help or talk about their life stressors. This can cause men to use substances to cope with these feelings, and continued drug or alcohol use leads to further isolation, reducing the support network even further.
Men are more likely than women to use illicit drugs, including heroin. The drug is highly addictive and made from morphine, classifying it as an opioid.
Prolonged heroin use can lead to severe health complications, such as collapsed veins, liver disease, heart damage and pneumonia. The most significant risk with heroin is the potential for a drug overdose. The drug affects the body’s ability to continue breathing, resulting in respiratory depression. If an overdose occurs, the individual will slowly stop breathing, which can potentially result in death if immediate treatment isn’t administered.
Heroin has many side effects, including:
Drowsiness
Stomach pain
Irregular breathing
Sleep disturbances
Dry mouth and itchy skin
Malnourishment
Prescription drugs can do a lot of good when prescribed and used correctly, but these medications are often abused and result in addiction. These drugs can include opioids, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives and stimulants.
People who use these drugs should seek treatment for their underlying medical conditions that caused them to become reliant on a substance. This can range from chronic pain to mental health disorders. Proper treatment can help individuals manage their conditions and find healthy coping mechanisms, such as yoga or meditation, to replace their substance misuse.
The side effects of each vary, but in general, a person who misuses prescription drugs might feel:
Nausea
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Confusion
Euphoria
Agitation
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a drug that’s often used to treat narcolepsy. People have begun using GHB illicitly as a party drug since the effects include heightened senses and an altered mood. Some people also use GHB as a date rape drug, making victims experience blackouts, memory loss and lowered inhibition.
People with a GHB addiction usually display the same symptoms as people with other types of addiction, including withdrawal symptoms, social isolation and neglected responsibilities.
Some of the signs of GHB misuse include:
Drowsiness
Confusion
Muscle weakness
Difficulty breathing
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a drug that affects the central nervous system. Crystal meth is a powerful form of the drug that’s highly addictive. The drug increases the amount of dopamine in the brain, creating a sense of euphoria. People who use meth also feel more energetic and have increased endurance, making it a popular party drug. People addicted to meth often experience various physical and mental health complications.
People with a meth addiction should seek treatment from a professional treatment center. The right treatment options can help you detox from the drug and help you rebuild your life. Your physical and mental health will improve, as will your relationships. You’ll be able to get back to the hobbies you once enjoyed and plan a future free from drug addiction.
Side effects of methamphetamine use include:
Increased alertness and physical activity
Inability to stay still
Mood swings
Paranoia and hallucinations
Rapid heart rate
Itching and teeth grinding
When used correctly, steroids can be beneficial. They can be prescribed to treat hormonal imbalances in men with testosterone deficiency. However, these drugs are often misused, especially by athletes or bodybuilders trying to boost their performance. Some people even use steroids to improve their appearance based on societal standards and pressures surrounding masculinity.
People addicted to steroids also experience various side effects, such as hormone problems, aggressive behavior and mood changes or disorders. Seeking treatment for steroid addiction can prevent these symptoms from affecting your life. You’ll be able to repair your relationships with your friends and family and return to productive living. You’ll also learn healthy coping mechanisms and habits to prevent future relapse.
The misuse of these drugs can lead to an addiction, which manifests as:
A compulsion to use steroids
Continuing to misuse steroids despite the negative consequences in your health and personal life
Spending various resources, such as time and money, to continue using steroids
If you are trying to determine if you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, there are some signs you can look out for that might indicate an addiction. Different substances will have a varied effect on each person, but in general, the following signs are often present in men who are using alcohol or drugs:
Men are more likely to experience something called maladaptive anger, which prevents the individual from making changes or adapting to difficult situations. This often manifests as aggressive or violent outbursts and behaviors, resulting in domestic violence situations. Men who use alcohol, for instance, are up to six times more likely to abuse their significant other.
Alcohol and drugs affect the way the brain works, which can often result in mood swings. Certain substances have a direct effect on mood. A person may also become irritable, especially if they go without a substance for some time and start to experience withdrawals. This can cause the individual to lash out at friends and family members, creating tension in these relationships and increasing the chance for continued substance misuse.
Men who use drugs or alcohol might neglect personal hygiene or other means of self-care, such as eating regularly or exercising. They may shower less, live in a messier space than usual or choose not to do laundry. These changes can happen suddenly or over time.
Addiction can take up a lot of time and cause people to forego their responsibilities. They may stop taking care of the home, spend less time with their children or fail to perform at work. The inability to keep up with responsibilities causes additional stressors, driving further substance use.
Using drugs or alcohol can affect the quality and duration of one’s sleep. When the circadian rhythm is impacted in this way for long periods, the immune system is weakened, and cognitive functioning is affected. Behavioral problems may also appear. Disturbed sleep greatly impacts the quality of one’s life.
People who use substances tend to withdraw from their friends and family, either because they’re trying to hide their addiction or due to feelings of shame or guilt. Isolation increases feelings of loneliness, a risk factor for addiction development. Someone who withdraws from their support network increases the likelihood of an addiction forming or worsening.
An addiction often takes over someone’s life, and they have less time or interest to do the activities they once enjoyed. Instead, they’ll spend much of their time using or seeking out a substance to calm the compulsion caused by chemical and psychological dependence. Pulling away from hobbies can increase depression and isolation, which furthers addiction.
Someone may be addicted to a substance if they’ve made unsuccessful attempts to quit in the past. They may feel discouraged to attempt to quit again and require outside help to facilitate their recovery.
Addiction has varying effects based on what substance is being used. Drugs and alcohol are chemicals that directly affect the brain and body, causing various short-term and long-term effects. Extended use of substances can create potentially dangerous health effects.
Some short-term effects of addiction can include:
Reckless behaviors, such as unsafe sex or sharing needles
Impaired judgment and poor decision-making
Loss of coordination
Nausea and abdominal pain
Rapid heart rate and an irregular heartbeat
Increased blood pressure
Loss of appetite
Drowsiness or insomnia, depending on what substance is used
Gateway Foundation has multiple treatment programs and levels of care for men. We have numerous rehab facilities across Illinois, so every man can find a program close to home. Learn more about our men’s substance use treatment programs below.
Inpatient residential treatment is for individuals who have a severe addiction or lack an adequate support network at home. People who don’t live in a sober environment at home might also choose residential treatment to hold them accountable until they’ve completely detoxed from a substance.
With residential treatment, you can recover in an environment that eliminates temptations and reduces cravings. You’ll have access to 24/7 medical support and care during your stay. Around-the-clock supervision helps reduce discomfort caused by withdrawal symptoms or cravings, and you’ll always have someone to lean on for support.
The length of your stay will vary based on your personal circumstances. Some people progress faster through treatment, while others require an extended stay. The severity of the addiction will also play a factor in how long residential treatment is needed. Once residential treatment is completed, many men move to outpatient treatment to continue their care.
Our outpatient programs are for patients who want something other than 24/7 residential care or those who have outside responsibilities that prevent them from attending inpatient treatment, such as childcare or work.
Outpatient care consists of multiple options to accommodate your individual lifestyle while still providing quality care.
One type of outpatient treatment is our full-day partial hospitalization program. You’ll attend treatment for around eight hours a day, each day of the week. You’ll receive the same intensive care that residential patients receive, but rather than spending your night with us, you’ll return home in the evening. Many patients use full-day outpatient treatment to transition between residential care and intensive outpatient treatment.
Full-day treatment is ideal for patients who have a good support network at home that will hold them accountable and reinforce the skills they learn from treatment. Our full-day treatment services also offer educational services for family members, so they can build a deeper understanding of what you’re going through and help you on your journey to recovery.
Another type of outpatient care is our half-day intensive outpatient program. Like full-day treatment, you’ll spend some time at the facility undergoing treatment. However, you won’t be receiving treatment eight hours a day, five days a week. Instead, you’ll have a few sessions a week for three to five hours a day to build the necessary tools to facilitate a successful recovery.
Our half-day treatment program is ideal for people who need treatment but have other responsibilities, including work, childcare or school. Some patients also use half-day treatment as the next step in their recovery after completing residential or full-day treatment. The best part is that many insurance providers cover half-day treatment programs for men, so it’s an accessible level of care for those looking to reduce their out-of-pocket costs.
General care is another type of outpatient care at Gateway Foundation. Many patients choose to transition to general care after completing intensive outpatient treatment. You’ll meet once per week with a group or individually to discuss the obstacles you’re going through or any progress you’ve made. These meetings help hold you accountable while also offering continued support.
Our general care program is excellent for patients looking for continued care while they take care of their outside responsibilities. This program is flexible so patients can choose the treatment that works around their existing schedule. We have multiple rehabs for men located across Illinois, so you can find an outpatient treatment program that works for you.
The transition between treatment and independent living can sometimes be overwhelming. Our sober living homes provide a smooth transition, so you can adjust back to sober living.
During your time in a sober living home, you’ll be provided a routine by an addiction counselor who will help hold you accountable and prevent relapse. You’ll also be able to continue to attend outpatient treatment simultaneously so you can continue to develop your new skills and reinforce everything you’ve learned.
Sober living homes also allow you to build new connections with people who have gone through experiences similar to your own. By the time you complete treatment and transition from a recovery home to your own residence, you’ll have a robust support network that you can rely on when you need it.
Some people with a substance use disorder worry about uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and avoid treatment to prevent them from happening. In other cases, patients have a severe addiction that requires a detox to begin a successful recovery.
Our withdrawal management program uses medication-assisted treatment to help you overcome the most uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. You’re under 24/7 medical supervision during this process and have constant access to support should you need it. The most intense withdrawal symptoms usually start to fade after the first few days of detox. Once you’ve gotten through the majority of your withdrawal symptoms, you’ll transition from our detox program to one of our other rehabilitation programs for men.
You may still have lingering cravings and other emotional or psychological symptoms. Our detox program will coach you through these feelings, so you have a better understanding of what to expect as you transition to the next stage of your recovery process.
It’s normal to have questions concerning treatment. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning addiction treatment for men.
Once you’ve decided to seek out treatment, our professional staff at Gateway Foundation will provide you with a free assessment and recommendations based on our findings. We’ll help you come up with a treatment plan and provide you with all of the necessary information so you can take the next step toward recovery.
The costs of treatment for men vary based on a few factors. The level of care you require, the length of your treatment, and your insurance coverage will all be factored into the cost.
Once you contact our staff, we can give you an accurate price estimate based on your individual needs. You’ll know what you need to pay before you commit to treatment.
Every patient is different, and the right rehab program for you will be individual to you. Our staff will guide you through all of our treatment options and programs so you have a complete understanding of what we offer. We’ll also perform an assessment to determine your specific needs to facilitate a successful recovery and provide you with recommendations based on the information we’ve gathered.
We offer a full range of care for men, including:
From there, you can choose a rehab program that works best for you, and we’ll guide you through each step of the process.
We have rehab for men in multiple locations across Illinois so that you can find treatment close to home. Our men’s rehabilitation programs are located in:
We have worked to help our patients overcome addiction for over 50 years. We use evidence-based treatments that are proven to drive positive results. With multiple locations and caring staff, we can provide you with high-quality treatment to guide you on the path to a successful recovery. Our programs are personalized for your individual needs, so you always have the support you require.
Our services are also in-network with most insurances, so you can worry less about the cost and focus on your treatment.
If this is your first time seeking treatment with Gateway Foundation, we’ll walk you through each step. You’ll undergo an assessment by one of our medical professionals, who will give you recommendations based on your addiction’s severity and your individual needs. You’ll follow your personalized treatment plan with consistent support from our staff.
Each level of care has different requirements, and our staff will guide you through each one, so you know exactly what to expect once you enter treatment.
Gateway Foundation also offers treatment for co-occurring disorders. Many people who struggle with substance use disorders also have a co-occurring mental health disorder. People with mental illness often use substances to cope with uncomfortable symptoms. While substances may temporarily relieve these feelings, they usually worsen mental health conditions.
When you seek treatment at Gateway Foundation, we treat both conditions simultaneously so that you can treat the underlying causes of substance misuse. We’ll provide you with the coping mechanisms and skills needed to manage your mental health symptoms.
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