Alcoholism can affect anyone, but it is more common amongst men. Why is this? New studies have gleamed new light into understanding why men are more likely to struggle with alcoholism than women, which has opened a new door in the ways alcoholism is treated. Understanding how alcoholism affects men’s bodies and overall lives can improve treatment around the country.
The Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that men are twice more likely to binge drink than women are. Men also have higher rates of hospitalizations related to alcohol-use than women. It is a general understanding that men are more likely to develop an addiction to alcohol than women are. In fact, in 2019, the CDC found that 7% of men had an alcohol-use disorder, compared to only 4% of women.
Why Men Are More Susceptible to Alcoholism
According to Science Daily, a recent study in Biological Psychiatry has found that when men drink alcohol, higher dopamine levels are released in their brains. Researchers from Columbia and Yale conducted the study. This increased amount of dopamine causes men’s brains to associate alcohol-use and even intoxication with positive effects. Over time, this will reinforce their reward system to crave alcohol to achieve those positive feelings again.
How Alcoholism Affects Men
Alcoholism can affect a man’s life in several ways, often bringing on the devastation and irreversible health effects. The CDC has found that 75% of deaths are caused by excessive drinking involving males every year. Alcohol can also lead to thoughts of suicide, as reflected in the CDC’s findings that men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women. Alcoholism can also cause higher aggression and violence levels, making men more likely to become involved in assaults and sexual violence.
Men also suffer physical health consequences from alcoholism, including certain forms of cancer in the liver, colon, throat, mouth, and esophagus. Studies show that these are more likely to occur in men. Sexual health is also affected by alcoholism, often resulting in erectile dysfunction and sometimes infertility.
Based on several studies done by high ranking universities and government bodies, it is well-known that men are more susceptible to alcoholism. While not all men will experience the deadly effects, their actions of excessive drinking can put them at risk. At Alta Loma Transformational Services, we encourage men to get sober and stick to their recovery over time, always reviewing recent news and addiction science findings. Through our treatment modalities involving CBT, DBT, and even experiential therapies, we believe we can make a difference in our clients’ lives and put them on the road to long-term sobriety. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, call us today at (866) 457-3843. Your path to healing begins at Alta Loma.
