Men and women both drink alcohol. However, due to differences in biology and how men’s and women’s bodies differ, the effects of alcohol and men’s health are different from that of women. While women tend to experience the effects of alcohol faster and have increased health risks, men should be equally concerned about their drinking habits..
Men’s Drinking Habits
Men tend to have more muscle mass and weigh more than women. This biological advantage allows men to drink larger amounts of alcohol and not experience the same effects as women. In addition, most men have more tissue and lower fat to water ratios that allow alcohol to be processed faster and diluted to reduce the overall concentration.
However, due to this, different men are more likely to ingest higher amounts of alcohol. Men are also more likely to binge drink to experience the effects of alcohol faster. Binge drinking is considered the practice of drinking five drinks or more in about two hours. Unfortunately, men have a terrible habit of doing this quite often.
Short-Term Effects of Alcohol on Men’s Health
The short-term effects of alcohol on men often result in making impulsive decisions and lowering their inhibitions. As a result, men are more likely to engage in riskier behaviors, like unprotected sex with multiple partners or accepting dares to do something dangerous. As a result, men are more likely to have alcohol-related injuries.
Other short-term effects men can experience while under the influence of alcohol include:
- Slurring Speech
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Concentration Problems
- Hangovers
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blackouts
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on Men’s Health
Men will develop a tolerance to the effects of alcohol the more frequently they drink. To achieve the desired effects, they need to consume higher amounts of alcohol in even shorter periods. It is not uncommon for a male binge drinker to go from drinking four or five drinks in a few hours to eight to ten drinks or more in the same period when they have developed alcohol tolerance.
Continued alcohol abuse can lead to dependence and eventually addiction. Other long-term effects men can experience from alcohol abuse could include:
- Increased likelihood of becoming aggressive or violent when under the influence of alcohol.
- Men are more likely to assault another physically or sexually when drunk.
- Increased risk of suicide attempts or completion while intoxicated.
- Men have a higher risk of getting into a fatal vehicle accident while experiencing the effects of alcohol.
- Men are more likely to drink and drive.
- The risks for colon, mouth, esophagus, throat, prostate, and liver cancers increase from alcohol abuse.
- Men have a higher risk of alcohol poisoning and death from alcohol overdoses than women.
Other long-term men’s health issues that can develop from alcohol substance abuse, such as:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
While under the effects of alcohol, men are less likely to think about using any form of protection. Since alcohol lowers inhibitions, men are more likely to contract STDs than women from engaging in unprotected sexual practices.
Unfortunately, most men are unaware they have contracted an STD as they do not always notice any symptoms immediately. In the meantime, they can continue to spread the STD as well as get other STDs.
Mental Health Disorders
Drinking regularly can cause minor mental health disorders to become more prevalent and noticeable. In some cases, the mental health disorder could be dormant, yet due to alcohol abuse, it is triggered.
In addition, men have a higher probability of drinking to self-medicate and self-treat mental health disorders, such as bipolar or depression. Society has taught men to share their feelings or admit they need help openly is a sign of weakness.
Liver Disease
Since men have a higher tolerance to alcohol than women, their livers have to process larger volumes of alcohol. As a result, liver damage, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis risks are increased from abusing alcohol.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on Men’s Sexual Health
Alcohol substance abuse in men reduces testosterone production levels. Testosterone is primarily related to men’s sex drive and muscle tissue and development and growth. With lower testosterone levels from drinking, men can experience:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Reduced Sex Drive
- Sexual Frustration
- Reproductive Issues
- Lowered Sperm Counts
- Ejaculation Problems
Other Effects of Lowered Testosterone Levels
Aside from sexual health problems, reduced testosterone levels can cause other health-related issues, such as:
- Gaining Fat
- Reduced Muscle Mass
- Irritability
- Hair Loss and Body Hair Loss
- Depression
- Anger
Men’s Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Asheville, NC
Men can have difficulties admitting they have a drinking problem. However, if you notice any of the long-term effects of alcohol on your health, you need to consider that you have an alcohol abuse problem.
At Crest View Recovery Center in Asheville, NC, we offer men’s alcohol addiction treatment programs tailored specifically for men. We understand it can be challenging to admit you have a drinking problem and share it with others.
Our objective is to provide you with a caring and supportive environment where you can focus on overcoming your addiction alongside other men who are also struggling with addiction. The bonds you form with other men in your program can also turn into life-long friendships.
For further information about our men’s alcohol addiction treatment programs and options, please feel free to contact us at 866-350-5622 today!
