While anyone can experience problems with alcohol or illegal substances, men are more likely than women to experience multiple negative outcomes, including alcohol-related hospitalization and death due to an excessive drinking.
Nearly three-quarters of deaths from excessive drinking each year are men, totally more than 97,000 men annually. Among drivers in fatal vehicle accidents, men are 50 percent more likely to have been intoxicated (a BAC of 0.08% or higher) than women (CDC).
Alcohol consumption also plays a role in deaths by suicide. Men are more than three times as likely to die by suicide than females, and more likely to have been drinking prior to the suicide (CDC).
In general, men are two to three times more likely to use illegal substances than women (NIH). According to a SAMHSA study, men are specifically more likely than women to report using marijuana and alcohol.
Cultural expectations can also prevent men from seeking help for mental health or substance use concerns. In a 2021 National Institute of Mental Health study, just over half of adult women with a mental illness sought services. That number dropped to 40 percent for men in the same study.
Your Life Iowa encourages everyone, regardless of sex or gender, to seek the support they need for wellness. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you care about, please reach out. We are here to listen, help and connect you with local support, if needed. Your call, text or chat is free and confidential.