Men's Health

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

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Alcohol and drug abuse in men oftentimes begins early in their lives. School years, especially high school and college years, are especially difficult for many boys, as they are facing concerns about body image and sexuality. And at this critical time in their lives, they are more likely than women to have more opportunities to use alcohol and drugs.

Consider how men and women react differently to drugs:

• The effects of cocaine on the brain and on the risk for having a stroke have been found to be more severe in men than in women.

• More men than women are alcohol dependent or have alcohol problems. And alcohol problems are highest among young adults ages 18-29 and lowest among adults ages 65 and older.

When people are depressed, they may experience other health or mental health problems. To relieve the misery of depression, some men turn to alcohol and/or drugs. Likewise, when men abuse alcohol and/or drugs, depression can develop. On the surface, it may seem like a good idea — to get high, to have fun, to relax, and to escape — but the consequences of alcohol and drug abuse soon become apparent in your life. Like depression, alcohol and drug abuse is serious. Fortunately, it is also treatable and the key to treatment is to recognize the symptoms and to get help.

Additional Information on Alcohol and Drug Abuse:

Publications

1.   Consequences of the Abuse of Anabolic Steroids - This message from the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse explains and warns about some of the serious dangers of using anabolic steroids to enhance athletic performance.

   http://www.drugabuse.gov/about/welcome/messagesteroids305.html

2.   NIDA InfoFacts - Steroids (Anabolic-Androgenic) - This fact sheet lists the health hazards and extent of use of anabolic steroids.

   http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/steroids.html

3.   NIDA InfoFacts - Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction - This is a fact sheet covering research findings on effective treatment approaches for drug abuse and addiction.

   http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofax/treatwomen.html

4.   NIDA InfoFacts - Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction - This fact sheet explains some of the myths about people who use and abuse drugs, how these people should be viewed, and the available treatment options.

   http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofax/understand.html

5.   Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator - This web site can help you locate a substance abuse treatment facility in your area.

   http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

6. Alcohol or Drug Abuse Recovery: Your Doctor Can Help (Copyright © AAFP) - This fact sheet discusses the important role a doctor can play in one's recovery from alcohol or drug abuse. A doctor can recommend and prescribe medications, and offer advice, counseling, and partnership on the road to recovery.

   http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/addictions/alcohol/152.html

7. Hormone Abuse (Copyright © Hormone Foundation) - This overview contains information about hormone abuse, specifically steroids, which has been rising in youth over the past several years. It gives an overview of the problem and discusses the health risks and psychological effects of abusing steroids.

   http://www.hormone.org/public/abuse.cfm

Organizations

1.   Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), SAMHSA, OPHS, HHS
2.   National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, SAMHSA, HHS
3.   National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, HHS
4.   National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, HHS
5.   Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
6.   Task Force on College Drinking, NIAAA, NIH

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of June 2007