Are Men More Likely To Become Addicted?
Men are one such group, making up a large percentage of those needing comprehensive addiction treatment services. But unfortunately, many men don’t seek the treatment they need.
At Healing Pines Recovery, we’re dedicated to changing this fact with men’s only addiction treatment services that truly make a difference. Our men’s addiction treatment center in Colorado carefully considers the needs of men and establishes a welcoming community where you can focus on healing and creating a new, healthier lifestyle. Ready to get started? Give us a call today at (720) 706-7980.
Request a Confidential Callback
Are Men More Likely to Abuse Drugs?
Men and women both develop addictions or substance use disorders (SUDs) at similar rates. However, it is generally true that men are more likely than others to abuse drugs of any kind, particularly high-risk substances. While recent data on the differences in substance use behaviors between the sexes is limited, we do know that, historically, men use drugs more often across the board. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 15.5% of men reported using any illicit drug in the past year compared to just 10.7% of women (2019).
But men aren’t only more likely to abuse drugs. They’re also more likely to end up in the hospital or experience a severe (even fatal) overdose as a result of their substance use. What’s more, estimates show that men tend to have higher rates of dependence on illicit drugs and alcohol than women. Finally, men face a higher risk of experiencing addiction in the long term, therefore increasing their chances of facing serious health consequences like chronic disease, injury, or cancer.
Substance Use Trends for Men: Quick Facts
We know that men use substances more than women and others, but it’s also important to note that how men misuse substances is unique, too. Recent data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse reveals that men use some types of drugs more heavily and frequently than their female counterparts. Coupled with what we’ve already established about male substance use behaviors, these findings point out primary areas of need for men living with addiction:
- Men are more likely than women to use tobacco or nicotine products of all kinds, especially cigars.
- Heroin use rates are similar between men and women, but men are more likely to use larger amounts of the drug. Men also use more dangerous methods (injecting the drug) to use heroin more often than others.
- In the past year, men have used marijuana more often (13.9%) than women (9.2%).
- In 2019, around 7.5% of men engaged in heavy alcohol use compared to just 4.2% of women. That means that men are nearly twice as likely as women to participate in binge drinking or heavy alcohol use.
Don't Let Anything Stop You From Getting Help.
We work with most major commercial insurance plans which can help cover up to 100% of the costs associated with treatment.
Men Are Especially Likely to Face Long-Term Addiction
Why is it that men misuse substances more often than others, and why are they more likely to experience a long-term substance use disorder? There are many factors that can be at play here, from genetics to biology to social expectations. However, experts note that a large part of why men are more likely to struggle with a lasting addiction is because men often wait much longer than others to seek the treatment they need. The fear of being perceived as weak, not knowing how to seek help or the belief that it’s better to overcome addiction alone holds many men back from life-changing care. Likewise, since men tend to misuse substances more severely and regularly, they often enter treatment with a higher level of need, which can complicate finding support that works.
Many men also face more severe withdrawal symptoms, particularly for alcohol addictions. Since sobriety is often a requirement for starting treatment, some men find it too challenging to start on the road to recovery. These realities, coupled with the fact that men use drugs or alcohol more often than women to fit into group settings and form bonds, link substance use to happiness for many of our clients. This understandably makes focusing on recovery a scary and even threatening premise. But there are ways to break down these walls and get the help you deserve, no matter where you’re at on your sobriety journey.
Understanding When to Seek Help
If you show signs of a SUD, are concerned about your substance use, or are experiencing a relapse, it’s likely time to reach out for help. Any inkling that you might benefit from professional support is worth paying attention to. While seeking help can feel like an isolating and intimidating experience, men are actually more likely (in general) than women to receive support from their peers and communities when pursuing treatment. There’s no shame or weakness in asking for help and receiving the care you need. Appropriate and tailored addiction treatment for men works to get to the heart of substance use behaviors and understand how to fully address them. Like any other chronic health condition, addiction should be taken seriously. How you feel now is not how you have to feel forever.
Addiction Treatment for Men at Healing Pines Recovery
Here at Healing Pines Recovery, we understand the treatment challenges and experiences many men face. That’s why we’ve created our men’s addiction treatment services to consider and build upon the realities our clients bring to the table. Through our residential inpatient rehab program, we encourage clients to work on healing not only their addiction but their whole selves. To do that, we utilize a combination of traditional, experiential, and holistic treatment methodologies, which allows us to meet each client’s needs from all angles. Some of the treatment approaches we use in our facility include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Medication-assisted therapy (MAT)
- Group and individual therapy
- Family therapy
- 12-Step Programs
- SMART Recovery
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Outdoor experiential therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Physical fitness therapy
Men’s Addiction Resources: Learn More About Substance Abuse
Whether you live with a SUD yourself or know someone who does, it’s never a bad idea to familiarize yourself with some of the ways you can learn more about addiction. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to understanding and eliminating addiction’s causes. Managing your needs over time and knowing where to turn in a crisis is also a key part of recovery. It’s okay if your journey isn’t linear; what matters most is that you always get back on track. Resources like these can help you or a loved one do just that.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Learn more about addiction or contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for immediate support.
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Recovery Resources: A helpful master list of addiction recovery resources for those with an SUD, their friends, and their families.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: An excellent resource for addiction-related research and information that can help you make informed decisions about your care.
- Medline Plus: A comprehensive resource hosted by the National Library of Medicine offering valuable information on addiction warning signs, how to support those in recovery, and more.
Get the Help You Deserve at Healing Pines Recovery
Men may be more likely to use substances and become addicted to them in the long term, but that doesn’t mean men have to be less likely to successfully recover. In fact, many of the obstacles that hold men back can be easily overcome with a change in perspective. While we know it’s not always easy to take the first step, we do believe that there’s strength in knowing when it’s time to seek help. Sometimes, the best way to support those you love and achieve your goals is by putting yourself first.
Addiction can be an isolating experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Healing Pines Recovery is here to help. Our Colorado men’s drug rehab center is dedicated to giving people like you the tools they need to thrive. Your journey will be as unique as you are. Our goal is to provide the care, support, and encouragement you may need to discover what it looks like for you. Get started today by calling us at (720) 706-7980 or contact us using our online form.
Schedule a Tour Today
Come discover why Healing Pines Recovery is you top choice for men’s addiction treatment in Colorado and beyond.
Begin Your Journey & Escape Addiction
The first step can be the hardest. Fill out the form or call us at (720) 575-2621. You will be connected with a Healing Pines Recovery specialist who can answer your questions and help you get started.
Let Us Help You
Speak to Someone Right Now
