Modern life places enormous pressure on men. Societal expectations often paint an impossible picture: to be the unwavering provider, the ever-reliable protector, and yet also empathetic and emotionally available. On top of this, many men struggle to open up about their problems or past traumas, bottling up their pain with little to no outlet. It's no surprise that some turn to substances as a form of relief.
While the reasons vary, the pattern is often the same: using substances to cope, numb, or escape. Two of the most common culprits are alcohol and cocaine; each offering temporary respite but often leading to deeper problems.
The Acceptable Face of Self-Medication: Alcohol
Alcohol is woven into the fabric of British society. It’s part of celebrations, social gatherings, and even our humour. A drink with friends can be a pleasurable way to unwind, but what happens when the reasons for drinking shift from enjoyment to escape?
When drinking becomes a solitary habit, it may signal deeper issues. To determine whether alcohol use has crossed the line into dependency, ask yourself these three questions:
1. Have you lost control of your drinking?
2. Do you feel a compulsion to drink?
3. Do you drink despite the consequences?
If the answer to any of these is yes, it may be time to re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol.
Alcohol impacts the brain in ways that can perpetuate the cycle of misuse. It suppresses the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for decision-making and self-control, leading to impaired judgment and poor choices. Heavy drinking also carries physical risks, including liver and kidney damage, a compromised gut lining, and harm to the hippocampus, which is vital for memory formation.
Ironically, though alcohol is often chosen for its sedative properties, it disrupts sleep, a vital component of mental and physical recovery.
The "Feel-Good" Trap: Cocaine
In contrast to alcohol’s sedative effects, cocaine offers a high-energy boost. It provides a surge of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with motivation and reward. While dopamine makes us feel excited and driven, it’s also a key player in addiction.
Dopamine doesn’t simply make us feel good in the moment; it propels us to seek rewards in the future. This is why cocaine can feel so addictive; it hijacks the brain’s reward system, pushing users to seek more, often to the exclusion of everything else.
But the risks of cocaine use are severe. As a vasoconstrictor, it narrows blood vessels, starving tissues of oxygen and nutrients. Over time, this can cause tissue death, leading to complications such as a perforated septum or worse. When combined with alcohol, the dangers escalate, significantly increasing the risk of overdose.
Why Logic Isn’t Enough to Quit
Many assume that once someone knows the risks, they’ll simply stop using. But understanding the science of addiction helps explain why it’s not so straightforward. Cocaine and similar substances override the brain’s natural reward system, making it incredibly difficult to break free without support.
This is why recovery often requires more than willpower. Addiction is a complex interplay of brain chemistry, environmental factors and personal history, and overcoming it usually involves addressing all these aspects.
Steps Toward Recovery
The journey to overcoming substance use is deeply personal and rarely linear. Here are some key steps for anyone looking to make a change:
1. Seek Support
Expert help can be challenging to find in the UK, but there are resources available. Some of the best support often comes from those who’ve been through it; ex-addicts who understand the journey and can provide a unique perspective.
2. Gradual Change
For heavy users who aren’t ready to seek professional help, start with small, manageable steps. Swap a pint for a coffee or test short periods of abstinence. Small victories build confidence without overwhelming pressure.
3. Focus on the Positives
Celebrate progress, no matter how small. After a period of abstinence, reward yourself with something meaningful. Positive reinforcement creates new habits, making it easier to stay on track.
4. Build a Support Network
Whether it’s friends, family, or a support group, having people who care can make a world of difference. Be specific about the kind of help you need to avoid misunderstandings.
5. Be Patient with Yourself
Recovery often involves setbacks, but these don’t define the journey. The important thing is to keep moving forward, knowing that the “wagon” is always there to climb back on.
Remember Your Worth
The road to recovery is challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to reclaim your life. It begins with recognizing your value and believing that you’re worth the effort. You don’t have to face it alone; there are people who care and resources to help you along the way.
Above all, remember to care for yourself. You are more than your struggles, and your life is worth living to the fullest.
Anita, founder of Acorn Transformations, brings a wealth of experience to her work. With a background in neuroscience, she has spent two decades in a variety of roles such as research, teaching, tutoring, and lab management at the Medical Research Council and University College London (UCL).
Following a personal autoimmune disease diagnosis and the life-altering events of the pandemic, Anita redirected her expertise towards helping others more directly.
Her current focus is twofold:
Researching factors that prevent individuals from living their best lives
Developing science-backed courses to address these issues
Anita's unique blend of scientific knowledge and personal experience informs her approach to transformation and personal growth. To learn more about Acorn Transformations, visit https://www.acorntransformations.com/ or follow Anita on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-sicilia-716326244/
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