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Alcohol and Drug Abuse

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Alcohol and drug use in men often begins early in their lives, during the teen or young adult years. The reasons men begin drinking or using drugs vary, and the path from casual, social use to abuse and addiction is complex. What we do know is that abusing alcohol and drugs is very harmful—not only to you, but to the people in your life. That's why addition to alcohol or dugs is called a "family disease."

Consider these risks, which can spillover to affect those around you as well:

• Depression, anxiety, suicide
• Accidents—Alcohol is a factor in about 41 percent of motor vehicle accidents
• Violence—often against loved ones
• Risky sexual behavior, such as unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners
• Employment problems
• Health problems, including cancer and HIV
• Addiction—a disease described by uncontrollable craving and physical dependence on drugs or alcohol

On the surface, it may seem like a good idea — to get high, to have fun, to relax, and to escape — but the consequences of alcohol and drug abuse soon become apparent in your life. Fortunately, substance abuse disorders are also treatable. If you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, seek help from your doctor or a treatment facility. With treatment, it's possible to not only regain your health, but also restore the relationships that matter to you.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Consequences of the Abuse of Anabolic Steroids — This message from the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse explains and warns about the serious dangers of using anabolic steroids to enhance athletic performance and build muscle mass.

   http://www.drugabuse.gov/about/welcome/messagesteroids305.html

2.   NIDA InfoFacts — Steroids (Anabolic-Androgenic) — This fact sheet discusses the health hazards of abusing anabolic steroids, the extent of abuse, and treatment methods that exist.

   http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/steroids.html

3.   NIDA InfoFacts — Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction — This fact sheet provides information on research findings and effective treatment approaches for drug abuse and addiction.

   http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/treatmeth.html

4.   NIDA InfoFacts — Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction — This fact sheet explains some of the myths about people who use and abuse drugs, genetic and environmental factors that play a role in drug use, and treatment options.

   http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/understand.html

5.   Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator — This web site can help you locate a substance abuse treatment facility in your area.

   http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

6. Alcohol or Drug Abuse Recovery: Your Doctor Can Help (Copyright © AAFP) — This fact sheet discusses the important role a doctor can play in one's recovery from alcohol or drug abuse. A doctor can recommend and prescribe medications, and offer counseling and partnership on the road to recovery.

   http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/addictions/alcohol/152.html

7. Hormone Abuse (Copyright © Hormone Foundation) — This site provides an overview of hormone abuse, specifically steroid abuse, and discusses the health risks and psychological effects of abusing steroids.

   http://www.hormone.org/abuse/

Organizations

1.   Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), SAMHSA, OPHS, HHS
2.   National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, SAMHSA, HHS
3.   National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, HHS
4.   National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, HHS
5.   Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, HHS
6.   Task Force on College Drinking, NIAAA, NIH

= Indicates Federal Resources