Across all age groups, men are diagnosed with higher rates of substance abuse disorders than women. Millions of men across the US struggle with addiction and untreated mental health challenges.
Due to culture, tradition, and stigma, men often struggle to seek help, perceiving it as weak or feminine. However, the consequences can be devastating. Men are more likely to suffer from mental health disorders closely linked to addiction, such as antisocial personality disorder, ADHD, and schizophrenia. They have higher rates of suicide and are nearly three times more likely to die from a drug overdose than women [1].
More men, public figures, and mental health professionals are speaking out on the importance of men’s mental health and seeking support. Men are now being encouraged to speak out, as it demonstrates a sign of emotional strength, resilience, and accountability.
Why Many Men Avoid Getting Help
Nearly 40% of men have never spoken with someone about their mental health, and around 22% report they would not feel comfortable talking to a healthcare professional about it. This is due to several deeply rooted cultural and social factors [2].
Cultural Pressures and Masculinity Norms
Traditional masculinity and concepts of manliness in the US are rooted in Colonial America and its ties to independence, strength, honor, and property ownership. A big part of this was being able to provide for one’s family and community, and being able to overcome adversity with a stoic mindset [3].
Culturally, men are conditioned that manliness and strength mean self-sufficiency, logic, and a lack of emotional expression. For this reason, many men do not seek support or even let themselves acknowledge or process “negative emotions” such as sadness or anger.
Fear of Judgement and Vulnerability
This cultural pressure of looking masculine drives a sense of shame in many men who fear speaking out about their struggles. Spaces for men exist, but only recently have they begun encouraging concepts such as vulnerability, sensitivity, and emotional expression.
The Cost of Staying Silent
Convincing men to reach out for mental health support requires comprehensive education about the costs of staying silent. Ignoring emotional distress and mental health challenges can disrupt one’s life—affecting their mental health, physical health, and relationships.
Mental and Physical Health Consequences
Repressed and unprocessed emotions can increase the risk of substance abuse, chronic stress, anger issues, and even physical health problems such as heart disease, autoimmune disease, and high blood pressure.
Men are also more likely to cope with mental health challenges by engaging in reckless, unhealthy, or self-destructive behaviors such as drugs or alcohol, overworking, or dangerous driving. This can increase the risk of direct physical harm, such as accidents, liver disease, kidney disease, and other chronic conditions [4].
Strained Relationships and Isolation
Men who have completed addiction treatment are at increased risk of relapsing due to factors such as strained relationships, isolation, and a lack of a support system.
Addiction can wreak havoc on relationships. Men in active addiction often have changes in personality that can make them manipulative, selfish, careless, reckless, irresponsible, or even violent.
However, with effective therapy and skill-building, they can learn to repair strained relationships, build connections, and find community. Some common treatments for men, such as peer support groups, emphasize the importance of not “going through it all alone” and finding people who can keep you level-headed and hold you accountable.
Challenging the Stigma Around Men and Addiction
Stigma around men’s mental health is being challenged through strategies to reframe cultural narratives and encourage men that seeking support is a sign of emotional strength and courage.
Shifting Perspectives on Masculinity
Perspectives on masculinity are moving away from the once traditional and rigid stereotypes to more inclusive understandings. Some of the ways this is happening include:
- Emotional openness: While traditional masculinity often emphasizes stoicism, toughness, and emotional restraints, masculinity today is being seen as compatible with emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and vulnerability.
- Softness isn’t weakness: Traits like compassion and empathy once associated with “female nurturer,” are now encouraged to balance strength with sensitivity and increase the quality of relationships.
- Rejecting toxic norms: More men are rejecting outdated, harmful stereotypes such as sexism or aggression (e.g., wife is property) and focusing on attributes such as authenticity, honesty, and emotional maturity.
- Wellness and self-care: Male spaces such as gyms, barbershops, and sports centers cater to men as an environment to participate in self-care and develop their emotional and physical well-being.
Public Figures and Mental Health Advocacy
A growing number of men in the public eye are speaking out about the importance of mental health struggles, connecting with support, and not suffering in silence.
Michael Phelps
Professional Swimmer and Olympic Gold Medalist
“I remember sitting in my room for four or five days, not wanting to be alive, not talking to anybody. That was a struggle for me … I reached that point where I finally realized I couldn’t do it alone.”
Kid Cudi
Rapper, Singer, Songwriter
“My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember, and I never leave the house because of it…I’m tired of being held back in my life. I deserve to have peace. I deserve to be happy and smiling…It’s time I fix me.”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Actor and Former Professional Wrestler
“I found that with depression, one of the most important things you could realize is that you’re not alone. You’re not the first to go through it…I wish I had someone at that time who could just pull me aside and say, “hey, it’s going to be okay.”
Terry Crews
Actor
“A lot of people don’t believe that a person like me could actually be victimized.”
Luxury Detox and Residential Treatment for Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Mental Health Challenges
Rushton Recovery understands the power in creating a therapeutic space that reframes honest conversations about mental health as a symbol of strength, honor, and accountability.
Our team of clinical experts are trained in treating both substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. We combine behavioral therapies, peer support, medication assistance, and lifestyle regimens. Treatment plans can be personalized for men, focusing on their unique needs for a more comprehensive healing experience.
Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] NIDA. 2023, June 14. Men died of overdose at 2-3 times greater a rate than women in the U.S. in 2020-202.
[2] NAMI. Men’s Mental Health: Two Perspectives.
[3] Doyle, J. A. 1998. Sex and gender: The human experience. McGraw-Hill.
[4] Collings, S. Et al. (2022). Men’s Experiences of Mental Illness Stigma Across the Lifespan: A Scoping Review. American journal of men’s health, 16 (1)
