Are Men More Prone to Addiction?

Rates of addiction among different groups vary, and this can occur for a number of reasons. Why boys are most likely to use drugs or why men are most likely to use drugs can vary by individual factors, and there isn’t just one easy answer to these questions.

However, contributing factors for higher rates of substance misuse in men can include:

• Early peer influence, such as associating with peers who use drugs or alcohol.

• Family history of substance use disorders. Repeated substance misuse by men appears to be consistent across generations within the same family; additionally, genetic predisposition is thought to account for around half of a person’s risk of addiction.

• Having a co-occurring mental health disorder. A co-occurring disorder can increase the chances of substance misuse and addiction.

• Choice of career. A man’s career choice can play a strong and complex role in the development of addiction. Addiction in the financial industry and addiction among law enforcement are examples of male-dominated industries of which studies show a relationship between drinking and working in these industries.