In a recent post on “Women and Depression,” we pointed out that twice as many women as men suffer from depression. Today we’ll discuss men and addiction. Specifically, we’ll talk about how men are much more likely to suffer from an addiction to drugs or alcohol than are women. In fact, the statistics for men with a substance abuse problem show that about twice as many men as women struggle with substance dependence.

Here are a few more statistics about men and addiction:

• Two-thirds of attendees at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are men.
• More than one third of the male population in the US has been dependent on alcohol or drugs at some stage of their lives.
• Men in the 25- to 34-year-old age group were twice as likely as those in the 45- to 50-year-old age group to report substance dependency.
• Alcohol and drug abuse are strongly associated with an increased suicide rate in men.
• In a British study, men were three times more likely than women to be alcohol dependent, and twice as likely to be drug dependent.
• Never being married or getting divorced is associated with increased alcohol consumption, while getting married is associated with a drop in alcohol consumption.
• One study found that 55% of the men identified as having a substance abuse problem also experienced mental health problems.
• Men consistently have higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations than women.

So why is this? Many physical and psychological differences separate men and women. One factor which may contribute to men being more likely to abuse certain substances than women is that some substances actually affect men more than they do women. For example, cocaine has been shown to have a greater effect on men than it has on women. Environmental triggers may also play a role. Men are more likely to be peer-pressured into drinking more or into trying drugs. Also, men may turn to alcohol or to drugs to cope with stressors like providing for their family, being successful in their career and much more.

If you are suffering with an addiction, contact Solace Counseling. We can help create a customized treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery.