Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects individuals in various ways depending on what happened to them and how they process the trauma. However, there are differences between PTSD in men and women that can make navigating recovery difficult. By learning about how PTSD affects men specifically, those that are suffering can get the help they need and start the process of lifelong recovery.
Describing the Statistics
While women are 2-3 times more likely to develop PTSD than men, the disorder affects men in different ways that can be more harmful. Women are more exposed to high-impact trauma at a younger age than men. In contrast, men are more likely to experience traumas such as assault, combat, disaster, or accidents that involve death and injury, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In addition, men are less likely to seek social support than women, prolonging recovery and extending the impact of the trauma.
How Men Cope With PTSD
There are also differences in coping mechanisms for men and women struggling with PTSD. According to a study by the University of Liverpool, “Men are significantly more likely to suffer from irritability and to use alcohol to excess.” Addiction can develop as the person continuously uses drugs and alcohol to suppress the trauma and negative memories, worsening the person’s overall mental, physical, and emotional health; further isolating themselves from their loved ones.
Hope for Healing
Luckily for those struggling with PTSD, there is hope for lifelong recovery. Dual diagnosis care simultaneously addresses a person’s mental illness and substance abuse to give them a better chance at overall recovery. Since addiction feeds into mental illness, the person can begin taking strides towards both sobriety and healing. There are many programs available to you that can help you find hope for a better tomorrow.
PTSD affects men in various ways that are detrimental to their overall health and wellbeing. The disorder can lead to addiction, exacerbating the person’s mental health and leading them down the road to destruction. Gender-specific programs like Alta Loma Transformational Services provide men with the tools they need for a successful recovery that lasts a lifetime. Not only will you find sobriety at our tranquil Texas-based facility, but you will also find people that will support your recovery throughout your life. Our team is here to help you find healing. Take the first step today by calling (866) 457-3843.
