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Get your substance abuse in checkmate
Drinking, using drugs, and pushing the limits have been firmly endorsed by male culture since the beginning of time. Guys drink. Guys smoke. Guys thrill-seek. Hell, we’ve even created holidays devoted to debauchery (I'm looking at you, Mardi Gras). Unfortunately, guys also have a tendency to self-medicate in order to cope with problems like depression, anxiety, and rage. That’s when harmless fun can turn into a serious problem.
What to Look out For
So how do you know when you’ve crossed that line?
Before we go any further, let me clear something up: addiction doesn’t just mean substance abuse. It’s not surprising that things like booze and drugs, which create an actual chemical dependency, have become the poster-children of addiction. But don’t underestimate humans — we can get hooked on almost anything. Porn, social media, gambling, gaming, food, and even work can easily become addictions if we take our eye off the ball.
There are more types of addiction than trees in the forest, but the first step of recovery is always the same: admitting you have a problem. You don’t have to say anything yet; just take a look at these warning signs of addiction and ask yourself if anything feels familiar.
Physical
- Pounding heart
- Muscle tension
- Changes in breathing
- Body tremors
- Goosebumps
- Flushed face
- Clenched fists
Mental & Emotional
- Melancholy and depression
- Low frustration tolerance
- Loss of emotional control
- Inability to face reality
- Avoidance of stressful people/situations
- Jealousy and resentfulness
- Unreasonable expectations
- Dominating behavior
- Violent impulses
- Dangerous behaviors
- Suicidal tendencies
Why Do Men Get Addicted?
Why can’t we just have nice things?
It feels good to get a buzz on, or hit the jackpot, or lose an entire weekend exploring every pixel of a high-def RPG. But you know what they say about too much of a good thing. At some point, you may be creating a pattern of behavior that you may not be in control of, and who wants that. It’s your life, so own it.
Substances
And when it comes to substance abuse, there’s an extra layer of dependency making it hard to quit. For example, chronic alcoholism can rewire your central nervous system to literally require alcohol, adding physical withdrawal symptoms to the already shitty psychological ones. Marijuana may be beneficial, however, daily marijuana use can create a fog that may interfere with decision-making, relationships and reality.
Genetics & Environment
But why can some guys smoke a little weed on occasion without going full Cheech? Why do some guys lose their house at the craps table, while others can set reasonable limits? The answer’s annoying but simple: everyone’s different. First of all, genetics play a huge role in how prone to addiction you are. Family studies suggest that genes determine about half of a person’s chemical addiction risk, with similar results for behavioral addictions like compulsive gambling.
Beyond that, a man’s environment can contribute to his risk for addiction. Easy access to substances (especially from a young age) can set you up for trouble down the road, as can traumatic experiences, underlying mental issues like depression and anxiety, and a friend group that centers around addictive behaviors. Changing your environment, or just even being more aware of it, can help you break a cycle of addiction.
The effects of substance abuse on your brain are as ugly as an 80-year old fat man in spandex. Aside from head-pounding hangovers, repeated use will actually alter the way your brain looks and functions. These changes interfere with your ability to make sound decisions, think clearly, control your behavior and even feel normal without drugs and alcohol.
Addiction & The Brain
When we do something we enjoy, we set off a feedback loop. Do the thing, get a chemical reward in your brain, watch that reward dissipate, and then do the thing again. The problem arises when we get so fixated on one loop that we can’t stop going back for more. Without self-awareness and moderation, we get yanked around by our lizard brain, which is only interested in chasing that ever-fading euphoria.A lot of times, we use the addiction not just to feel good, but to stop feeling bad. If you’ve ever tried to drink away your problems or drown your loneliness in PornHub tabs, you know that the relief from pain can be a reward all on its own.
How to Haul Yourself Out
No matter how deep you’ve fallen into an addiction, it’s not too late to climb out.
But it’s not going to happen overnight. Addiction is a cyclical disorder, and addiction recovery follows a similar pattern. It takes time, repetition, and inevitable slides backward to keep making progress forward. But believe me, it’s worth it to be back in the driver’s seat of life, calling all the shots.
Based on how serious your problem is, you’ve got plenty of options at your disposal.
For Mild to Moderate Addiction
Lots of guys who dabble in dangerous behaviors never become addicts or need rehab. But their addictive behaviors may still be enough to cause negative life and mental health consequences. If you go on regular benders or use any behavior/substance to self-medicate, it's time to change your habits. Pay attention to why you engage in certain behaviors, and start to find alternatives for the ones you do compulsively. It might also be necessary to limit hanging around your buddies who are bad influences. You know who they are.
For Heavy Levels of Addiction
A man should control his actions — not the other way around. It’s estimated that more than 90% of addicts never get the help they need, but that doesn’t have to be your fate. The tried-and-true fix for addiction is the 12-step program. You can find an organization for nearly every addictive behavior, from alcoholism and substance abuse to gambling addiction and workaholism. If you’re not ready to join a group yet, no worries — you can ease yourself into it with one-on-one therapy from a licensed addiction counselor or behavioral therapist.
Man Therapy Provider Directory
Find a real life man-therapist.
We have partnered with real life professionals who specialize in men’s issues. Talking with a specialist can be way more efficient than googling symptoms. Browse and find one that sounds right for you; they’re ready for whatever you’ll throw at them.
For Addicted Men
When you’re addicted, you’re not the one in control.
But do you know the easiest way to regain some control? Don’t let the addiction lie to you any longer. You’d be amazed how many things fall into place once you take that scary but simple step of admitting you need help.
Once you do that, you’ll have all the help you need. Ready?
This is your life, not your addiction’s. And it’s never too late to take it back. You got this.
Below, you’ll find tons of hand-picked resources to get a leg up on your addiction, whether it’s related to substances, behaviors, or both. Listen to recovering addicts share stories about their lowest and highest points, get connected with local resources and support groups, and explore your options when it comes to the road to sobriety and self-control.
Suggested Resources
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