There are many physical and psychological differences between men and women, and one way that evidences itself is the much higher rate of substance abuse of men. But what is it specifically that makes men more likely to abuse substances like drugs and alcohol?
We all worry about the men in our lives. That’s why it’s shocking to hear that men are twice as likely to be addicted to alcohol or other illicit substances as women are. Substance abuse in itself is scary, but it can also lead to other dangerous behaviors.
Simply saying that men are more likely to have a substance abuse problem than women isn’t really covering the whole issue. Men are significantly more likely to abuse alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. However, women are just as likely to become addicted to many hard drugs and are actually more likely than men to become addicted to prescription drugs like pain killers.
Part of the reason men may be more likely to abuse certain substances than women is because some substances actually have a different effect on men than they do on women. For instance, cocaine has been shown to have a greater effect on men than it does on women.
While scientists think this may cause a difference in whether men or women get addicted to certain things, they can’t really say for sure because the effect of drugs is hard to measure. While you can measure the physical effects, it is more difficult to determine exactly how different drugs make men and women feel.
Whatever the substance, there are alternative forms of therapy that have proven to be helpful in overcoming addiction. One such therapy is yoga. It can provide the kinetic focus needed to take your mind off your addiction.
Ana Forrest is a world renowned yoga teacher and creator of Forrest Yoga. Her program for her own recovery includes Sun Salutations and the following steps—
1. Breathe in new energy
2. Start a love affair with healing
3. Create doable steps
4. Be consistent
5. Honor your small successes
6. Stay conscious
7. Stop the purging (punishing)
8. Set up an external measurement
9. Feel gratitude
10. Move through emotions to process them
Of course practicing yoga will not beat addiction alone, but make it part of your recovery team along with therapy, acupuncture, and whatever will work for you. If someone you know is abusing substance, or if you suspect they are, you should work on getting them into a treatment program. While no program is perfect, there are many men who have overcome substance abuse. Talk to a doctor or counselor about programs specifically for men that may be available to you.
Resources:
Recovery From Addition
