What is the connection between men and alcoholism? While both men and women can develop alcohol use disorder or alcoholism, men are more likely to do so. While alcohol can seem like a safe way to take the edge off after a long day, for many people, it can lead to a substance use disorder that can change your life. At Crestview Recovery, we aim to help you recover. We offer gender-specific programs to help both men and women overcome their substance addiction. We also provide both inpatient and outpatient treatment to support you in your recovery journey, as well as rehab aftercare to support you throughout the entire process.
Men and Alcoholism
There are a lot of risks that exist for men and developing alcoholism. About 23 percent of men report binge drinking five times a month, drinking, on average, eight drinks during those episodes. Men are nearly two times as likely to binge drink as women. More so, men have a higher rate of alcohol-related deaths as well as hospitalizations. It is important to understand these connections so you can be aware of the risks of drinking, especially in large amounts.
Alcoholism In Men
Both men and women with alcoholism face the risk of complications. Yet, for men, there are some key concerns you need to consider when drinking alcohol:
- Excessive alcohol use can lead to impotence, infertility, and a reduction in sex characteristics in men.
- Men who drink alcohol are at a higher risk of developing mouth, liver, esophagus, colon, or throat cancer.
- Alcohol consumption can trigger aggression, leading to instances of violence.
- Reckless behavior risks increase, including sex with multiple partners or unprotected sex.
- Suicide risk is higher for men after consuming alcohol.
There is a clear link between the health of men and alcoholism. It is also possible for you to suffer alcohol poisoning, a serious, life-threatening condition. Additionally, addiction can occur, creating a dependency that impacts every facet of your life.
Reaching Out for Help
There are many reasons why men are less likely to seek out help for addiction. Sometimes, they feel they cannot step away from their work or home life to manage their addiction. Other times, pride gets in the way of getting help. Alcohol can also sometimes seem like a “safe” drug to use. Yet, over even a short amount of time, dependence can form, and health risks elevate.
The key here is to get help. If you think about or use alcohol on a daily basis, it is time to seek out help. If you are using alcohol as a way to manage emotions, it is also clear you may need some help. Our team at Crestview Recovery can offer the support you need. We provide treatment options that let you stay home and receive the care you need, including:
- Partial hospitalization treatment (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Traditional outpatient treatment
- Mental health therapist in Portland OR
- Telehealth intensive outpatient treatment program
There is help available to you right away. Our men’s rehab program is designed to empower you to get back your life.
Call Crestview Recovery
When you are facing the facts, you know men and alcoholism go hand-in-hand. You do not have to be a victim. With the help of our team at Crestview Recovery, you can create a plan for overcoming addiction and rebuilding your life. We also offer programs such as individual therapy for drug and alcohol addiction, group therapy, and a family therapy program to help you in your recovery. To get started, call 866.262.0531 for the support you need for a lifetime of sobriety.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
