Substance abuse and addiction affect people from all walks of life, regardless of gender. However, there are differences between men and women when it comes to addiction, notably in the factors leading to substance abuse and the barriers preventing treatment. It’s crucial to understand these differences since it’ll help come up with specific addiction treatment solutions geared to meet either men’s or women’s specific needs.
Men face unique challenges and barriers when it comes to seeking and accessing addiction treatment. Understanding the obstacles they encounter in getting treatment and how to effectively support them in their recovery journey is essential if we hope to tackle the addiction epidemic among men.
Factors Leading Men to Substance Abuse
Before we can help men overcome substance abuse, it’s crucial to know what leads them to it. Some of the factors contributing to men’s susceptibility to substance abuse and addiction include:
Social pressure
Society often places pressure on men to conform to traditional masculine norms. Unfortunately, some of these may include behaviors such as risk-taking, stoicism, and avoiding vulnerability. As a result, men may not know how to express themselves, handle negative emotions, or let off steam in healthy ways and they may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the stress, peer pressure, or societal expectations that come with masculinity.
Trauma and adverse childhood experiences
Many men have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or family dysfunction. Thanks to societal expectations, men may not know how to ask or seek help to deal with the trauma they’ve faced in their lives. These early-life experiences can increase the risk of developing substance abuse problems later in life as a way to cope with unresolved emotional pain or trauma.
Co-occurring mental health disorders
Some men are more likely to experience co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) alongside substance abuse. They may then resort to drinking or using substances to numb their feelings or help them cope with the symptoms of their mental health disorders. Unfortunately, they end up addicted, further complicating their dual diagnosis as well as the recovery process.
Peer influence
Men’s social networks including friends, coworkers, and peers can significantly influence their attitudes and behavior regarding substance use. It’s hard to ignore friends who are drinking or using drugs especially when an individual just wants to fit in with the rest of their circle. This peer pressure to engage in substance use can be a powerful motivator for men, particularly in social settings such as parties, bars, or sporting events.
Challenges Men Face in Getting Addiction Treatment
Despite the prevalence of substance abuse among men, many face significant barriers to seeking and accessing addiction treatment. These barriers may include:
Stigma and shame
Men may feel a sense of shame or embarrassment about their substance abuse problems, particularly if they perceive seeking help as a sign of weakness or failure to live up to societal expectations of masculinity. This stigma can prevent men from reaching out for support and may contribute to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Eventually, it becomes a negative cycle where the more hopeless or isolated the man feels, the more he drinks or uses drugs to try and escape, worsening his situation.
Fear of losing control
Men may fear losing control over their lives, careers, or relationships if they admit to having a problem with drugs or alcohol. They may fear that they’ll become a laughing stock if people find out they’re struggling with substance abuse. Some men also fear that seeking help will expose their families to shame and ridicule. This fear can deter men from seeking treatment or even acknowledging the need for help.
Limited access to healthcare
Men may face practical barriers to accessing addiction treatment such as lack of insurance coverage, limited access to healthcare services, or financial constraints. While they may be willing to seek treatment for their substance abuse, these systemic barriers can make it difficult for them to access the care they need.
Cultural and societal norms
Cultural and societal norms surrounding masculinity and seeking help can influence men’s willingness to seek treatment for substance abuse. Admitting that one has a problem or asking for help may be seen as being weak. Therefore, men may feel pressure to “tough it out” or “man up” rather than admitting to needing help and support.
How to Help Men Get Addiction Treatment
Despite the challenges outlined above, it’s important to encourage men who are struggling with addiction to get help. Here are several strategies for effectively supporting men in getting the addiction treatment they need:
Normalize help-seeking behavior
To get more men to seek help for substance abuse, we need to start challenging societal norms and stereotypes surrounding masculinity and help-seeking behavior by promoting a culture of acceptance, openness, and support for men battling addiction. Instead of shaming or ridiculing men who ask for help, we need to support and encourage them by affirming that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Provide gender-specific treatment
Offering addiction treatment programs that are tailored to men’s unique needs and preferences may encourage more men to seek treatment. Additionally, those seeking treatment may open up more if they are in a group of peers dealing with the same struggles. Gender-specific treatment can provide a safe and supportive environment for men to explore issues related to masculinity, identity, and recovery without fear, judgment, or stigma.
Address underlying trauma and mental health issues
Addiction treatment facilities need to recognize the importance of simultaneously addressing underlying trauma and co-occurring mental health disorders in men’s addiction treatment. Providing comprehensive, integrated care that addresses the root causes of addiction while promoting healing and resilience provides a much better outcome in the long run.
Offer a range of treatment approaches
Another great way to get men the help they need is by providing a variety of treatment modalities and approaches that cater to their diverse preferences and interests. Adventure programs, wilderness therapy, and outdoor experiential programs can be particularly effective for engaging men who may otherwise have trouble opening up or sharing during traditional talk therapy sessions. These types of programs can also be crucial in fostering personal growth and empowerment.
Features of a Treatment Program Focused on Men
An addiction treatment program focused on men’s needs may incorporate the following features:
Individual counseling
Individual counseling allows men to explore their struggles, motivations, and goals in a one-on-one setting with a trained therapist. These counseling sessions may address issues such as trauma, relationship problems, or co-occurring mental health disorders that may be contributing to substance abuse. They also provide an opportunity for the therapist and the individual to set goals and monitor their progress throughout recovery.
Group therapy
Group therapy gives men a chance to connect with others who are facing similar challenges and share their experiences in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. This may make it easier for some individuals to talk freely and interact with their peers. Group therapy sessions may focus on topics such as communication skills, anger management, and relapse prevention.
Life skills training
Life skills training equips men with the practical tools and resources they need to navigate the challenges of daily life without resorting to drugs or alcohol. This may include education in areas such as financial management, job readiness, and healthy lifestyle habits. Such training goes a long way toward increasing men’s confidence in their abilities to deal with the challenges they may face in their lives.
Adventure-based therapy
Adventure-based therapy involves experiential activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and outdoor challenges. Some men who have struggled during traditional therapy may find it easier to bond and share with others during these adventures as the activities are designed to promote personal growth, teamwork, and self-discovery. When done well, adventure-based therapy can help men build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and learn healthy coping strategies.
Aftercare planning
Addiction treatment programs don’t last forever and aftercare planning is essential in helping those in recovery transition back to their normal lives. Planning for life after treatment is important in providing ongoing support, motivation, and resources to help men maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse after completing treatment. Aftercare services may include alumni groups, sober living arrangements, and referrals to community support groups e.g. local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups.
Embrace a Life of Sobriety
Tackling addiction head-on requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by men.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, reach out to Evolve Indy for compassionate and personalized care that addresses the complexities of men’s addiction. We offer a range of individualized treatment programs on an inpatient or outpatient basis and encourage men to take part in family therapy to repair relationships devastated by addiction.
Reach out to us today and together, we can break the cycle of addiction and build a brighter future for men everywhere.