There are a lot of different factors to consider when looking at the unique experiences of men who abuse drugs. Some of these are societal, while others are biological. In any case, here are some of the most important differences to consider:

Biological Factors – Men tend to have a higher percentage of lean body mass and a higher metabolic rate than women. This usually results in slower absorption of drugs or alcohol. This can make men less sensitive to many addictive substances, and more inclined to engage in binge drinking or heavy drug abuse to achieve the desired effect. Societal Pressure – In Western cultures, men are more often expected to partake in heavy alcohol consumption. Just as importantly, societal gender roles encourage men to suppress emotions and seek out risk. Both of these variables greatly increase the risk of drug abuse in men Patterns of Abuse – While many women report higher alcohol intake between the ages of 12 and 20, men tend to start using drugs and alcohol at an earlier age. This early onset increases the risk of abuse and long-term addiction. Substance Types – Men are more likely to abuse most kinds of addictive substances, though certain addictive substances are especially prevalent among men. For example, men are far more likely to abuse alcohol and opioids, while they are somewhat less likely to abuse psychotherapeutic drugs like Xanax or Ritalin. Behavioral Factors – As previously mentioned, men are more likely to engage in risky behavior than women. Not only does this increase the risk of experimentation with illicit substances, but it also increases the risk of heavy usage and potentially overdose. Mental Health Issues – In the United States, men are less likely to seek out treatment for mental health issues like depression or anxiety. This often results in more men self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. This phenomenon is also closely linked with cultural gender roles that discourage men from talking about their feelings or expressing certain emotions. Treatment Response – Men and women often respond differently to substance abuse treatment. Treatment for men is often most effective when it focuses on effective communication, open discussion of abuse, recognition of sexual identity, and therapy to better manage emotions.

As you can see, drug addiction in men presents many unique barriers and challenges. For this reason, it is vital that men fighting substance abuse seek out a rehab facility for men, as opposed to a gender-neutral clinic.