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: Addiction Free
Not only can drugs have a different effect on men and women, but they can have very different effects on us as individuals in general. So it’s understandable why some people get more addicted to some drugs than others. For me it was marijuana, I know it may not be that addictive a drug compared to some others, but that’s the one that really floated my boat.
I really hate drugs. It ruin your life and everything! You always have a choice and please be wise. The choice for me is drug free! I hope everybody choose the same path I chose.
.-= Jamie Lynn@Acai Berry´s last blog ..What is Acai Berry Juice? =-.
That’s right Steve and Jamie. Drugs or other illegal substances will not give you the true bliss that you are looking for. The natural high as they say, which you can get from having good relationships and achievements, is still the best. So why do some people take drugs? Because in doing that decision, they have become losers at that point of their lives but they have to know that they are not really losers. They have to keep in mind that they have the capacity to change and drug abuse is not the answer to their problems and failures. The truth is that drug usage is another kind of failure. Hm… OK, yoga can help.
Like Jamie Lynn, i hate drugs too! It ruined not only the user’s life but as well as its relationship with his loved ones. I don’t get it why people get addicted to it. Like Engel said, it may be their way to resolve their problems and failures BUT this is not actually the right and proper way to solve any problem. Only vulnerable and “losers” try this way. Remember that there is no problem nor tests that we can never overcome. Everything happens with a purpose. You’ll see, after the storm you will become stronger and a better person.
Yoga can be a vital tool to recover from drugs.proper practice of yoga can provide good results for drug recovery…
.-= yogi@yoga videos´s last blog ..Ashtanga yoga Video =-.
I too hate drugs. I think herbal natural products is better then using a drug. Drugs will ruin our life day by day.
There are way to many disadvantages to say here. the number one thing is there is a great chance you will die by accident or not. if you know someone is having trouble with drugs try and get them some help. God I hate drugs.
I too have a passion of hatred against drugs. I was just reading something that said drugs end up costing companies over $100 billion just through them being used by their employees. Thanks for the info.
The question is not if men are more liable to get addicted to drugs. The question is to pull the reasons out of each and every person who is taking drugs WHY he or she is taking drugs in the first place. Every drug addict(and it does not matter woman or men) is trying to solve a problem with the addiction. You find it and you will handle the addiction. As well not only the street drugs are a problem. The big problem is the “legal drugs” as painkillers and psychotropic drugs.
Blame it on the “macho image”! Years ago, I could still remember that men who smoke is macho and men who drinks a lot is macho and men who abuse substances are macho! Phoeey! That’s not true! My boyfriend used to drink and smoke a lot and smoke pot a lot but my pet dog is more macho than him! That’s why he quit everything and became sober for 6 years now and now, he’s a real macho!
I learned that working out gets my mind off past relationships
I know a guy who smoked a lot of marijuana. It didn’t do him any good.. he’s now had a nervous breakdown. Is all the pain he’s going through now worth a few months of highs? Probably not.
.-= Ben@People Background Checks´s last blog ..Why Check Peoples Background? =-.
There are bad habits that contribute to hair loss. One is mass consumption of processed foods. Processed foods often lack the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain a healthy hair.
I agree with bayanlar. Working out is a great way to cleanse your body and make you feel more alive. I think it can really help with substance abuse.
i think you are right but if you see the current scenario which may be very shocking since woman’s are very likely to attract those abusing substances now a days. keep it up
The article has enlightened me on the ways men and women work and are affected by different types of drugs. People should pursue hobbies or work that interests them instead of digging a deep hole and getting situated to thinking that drugs are the way out. Interesting to think that women are affected differently.
.-= Polar@EasyDiets´s last blog ..Easy to Follow Diet =-.