Mental health disorders impact both men and women but men are more likely to experience some conditions than others. For example, men are more likely to abuse illicit drugs than women. Additionally, men who abuse substances have a higher chance of an emergency room visit or death by overdose than women.
An obvious difference between men and women exists when it comes to substance abuse. Why are men more likely to use or abuse substances and also experience extreme negative consequences as a result? What role does traditional masculinity play when it comes to substance abuse and recovery?
Thankfully, substance abuse does not automatically equate to a death sentence. Resources that provide hope and help to overcome substance use disorder are widely available. Men’s outpatient substance abuse treatment programs equip men to address and challenge the negative effects that traditional masculinity can have on recovery.
Continue reading to learn more about substance abuse among men, how traditional masculinity can create difficulties in recovery, and where you can find an outpatient treatment program that aligns with your circumstances and needs.
Introduction to Masculinity and Substance Abuse
What does masculinity mean to you? What do you picture when you think of what it means to be a man? Expectations around masculinity started shifting over the past couple of decades, but a relatively similar image still exists among the majority’s idea of how men should think, act, and carry themselves.
Traditional masculinity norms encourage men to be stoic, self-reliant, and emotionally restrained. They should handle their problems alone, keep their difficulties to themselves, and stand unshakable in the face of whatever adversity may arise. They need to be a source of strength and support for their families and a steady, guiding presence for their children.
These expectations place immense pressure on men. They have to hold things together for their spouse and children while pushing aside any emotions or difficulties they may experience. This exceptional pressure often leads men to drink or use substances to cope with the pressure.
Many men look forward to having a beer after a long day at work. Some don’t realize how much they come to rely on that substance-induced sense of ease and comfort over time. They start to depend on that beer to help them unwind after they get home and can start drinking more than one or two over time.
Traditional masculinity also sees little problem with men indulging in a few beers or drinks at the end of the day, while watching the game, or working on things around the house. Many men grew up watching their fathers do the same, just as their fathers watched their fathers. It’s almost an expectation in traditional masculinity that dads drink.
How Traditional Masculinity Contributes to Substance Abuse
What are some of the specific elements of traditional masculinity that contribute to higher rates of substance abuse among men?
Emotional Suppression
Men learn to suppress their emotions and hide their feelings from a young age. It starts with “boys don’t cry” and only progresses from there. Lots of men use substances to cope with their emotions since they never allow themselves to properly express them.
Risk-Taking Behavior
Men are more likely to take risks than women. They participate in more risky behavior, such as driving fast, picking up risky hobbies, or pushing each other to do challenging or dangerous things. This higher propensity for risk often expresses itself with alcohol and drug use as well.
Pressure to Conform
Men are driven to conform with their peers and feel pressured to participate to be part of the crowd. Add into that the societal pressure to “be a man” and men are highly likely to participate in alcohol or substance abuse if they are part of a group that abuses substances.
Substance Use as a Coping Mechanism
Ongoing substance use over time turns it into a coping mechanism. When a man regularly has a beer or uses another substance to relax, unwind, or handle a difficult emotion, it becomes the default way to deal with any troublesome situations that arise. Substance use as a coping mechanism is a common byproduct of traditional masculinity.
Barriers to Seeking Help
Men not only face distinct factors that make them more likely to abuse substances, they also deal with unique barriers to seeking help. Women are far more inclined to seek help when they need it; men turn toward what they know and try to handle their problems alone. This can quickly become a dangerous handicap when it comes to substance abuse, though. Overcoming these barriers is easier said than done but is necessary for men to receive the help they need. What are some of the barriers to care that men experience?
Stigma Around Vulnerability
Although society is encouraging men to be more open about their troubles, men still feel that admitting to having a problem means they are weak. Men who express vulnerability often still feel shameful and judged by their peers.
Fear of Judgment
The fear of judgment keeps thousands of men from seeking the help they desperately need. They worry their friends or family members will see them as weak for not being able to handle their problems on their own or for sharing their struggles with anyone outside of their home.
Financial Obligations
Men tend to be the primary earners in their homes. Most cannot afford to take extended time off of work for a treatment program. Additionally, they may not be able to afford the high price tag attached to many substance abuse treatment programs.
Impact of Traditional Masculinity on the Recovery Process
Recovery is possible for anyone experiencing substance abuse. It does not matter how far gone you feel; you can overcome your dependence on alcohol or other drugs. However, traditional masculinity can also impact a man’s recovery process. What are some of the elements that affect substance abuse recovery for men?
Resistance to Therapy
Men trapped by the traditional concept of masculinity may be less likely to engage fully in the therapeutic process. They may keep walls up that hinder them from reaping all of the benefits that counseling and group therapy can provide.
Communication Challenges
Men can also experience challenges when it comes to communication. Decades of pent-up feelings and difficulties expressing emotions create huge hurdles to overcome when trying to learn to communicate effectively.
Relapse Risks
All of the barriers to care as well as the expectations of traditional masculinity contribute to the possibility of relapse. Not addressing this impact can make men more susceptible to the pressure which increases their chances of turning back to substances.
The Role of Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment
Outpatient substance abuse treatment for men is a vital tool that can help them address and overcome the negative effects of traditional masculinity. Additionally, outpatient programs are uniquely equipped to help men with spouses and families and provide many benefits.
Accessibility and Flexibility
Outpatient programs are the most flexible form of substance abuse treatment. Most programs offer varying options that enable men to attend their treatment program while managing existing responsibilities at work and with their families.
Tailored Treatment Approaches
Intensive outpatient programs provide tailored treatment approaches for each individual. They determine which modalities and therapies are most useful depending on a person’s situation and circumstances and build their treatment program accordingly.
Peer Support Groups
Group addiction therapy is a primary component of outpatient treatment programs. Men accustomed to keeping things pent up find themselves in a group therapy session where they are encouraged to share. However, it is easier to open up when they realize they are surrounded by peers who understand what they are going through.
Integration into Daily Life
Outpatient programs allow an immediacy that inpatient programs do not. Men who attend outpatient substance abuse treatment return to their lives each day. You are not insulated from the outside world for the length of your program. This provides an opportunity to immediately implement the things you learn in treatment and return to the next group session to discuss how things went, and then adjust as needed.
Finding a Men’s Intensive Outpatient Program for Substance Abuse
Intensive outpatient programs for substance use disorders are a crucial part of the recovery of millions. Some can overcome substance abuse on their own, but many benefit from the structured environment of a treatment program. Men with spouses and families they are responsible for often find that a dedicated place to work on their recovery is an irreplaceable approach.
Programs like New Origins understand the unique challenges that men face. We know the influence that traditional masculinity has on recovery and help men recognize and understand the role it plays. We provide a range of services including individual and group therapy using a variety of modalities to help the most men possible.
If you are interested in finding an intensive outpatient program for men struggling with substance abuse, New Origins is here to help. We’re dedicated to providing a path to lasting recovery for men as well as support for their families along the way.
Call us at (855) 984-1799 or submit an online contact form to speak with one of our admissions specialists. They are here to explain your options and help you determine which approach to care best suits your needs. New Origins knows that nothing replaces the support and care that comes from a focused treatment program and we are here to help.
