Women tend to live longer because men notoriously avoid visiting a doctor and ignore unusual symptoms. The two sexes also diverge when it comes to both behavioral and physiological responses to alcohol. Men have a greater risk for disruptive drinking because of low response to alcohol, later maturation in brain structures, and socialization toward heavier drinking. In addition, alcohol use increases the risk of mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, prostate, and colon cancer more among men than women.
What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism has been known by various terms, including alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence, and is now referred to as alcohol use disorder. It occurs when you drink so much that your body eventually becomes dependent on or addicted to alcohol.
What causes alcoholism in men?
The cause of alcohol use disorder is still unknown. However, chronic stress plays a pivotal role in the continued alcohol abuse by men. This is because one of the essential factors underlying addiction is a need for mood enhancement or relief from stress.
What are the symptoms of alcoholism in men?
People with alcohol use disorder may engage in the following behaviors:
- Drinking alone.
- Drinking more to feel the effects of alcohol (having a high tolerance).
- Becoming violent or angry when asked about their drinking habits.
- Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, include shaking, nausea, and vomiting.
- Tremors (involuntary shaking) the morning after drinking.
- Lapses in memory (blacking out) after a night of drinking.
- Illnesses, such as alcoholic ketoacidosis (includes dehydration-type symptoms) or cirrhosis.
When to consult a doctor?
If you’re worried that you might have an alcohol use disorder, don’t try to quit alone; consult a doctor as withdrawal can be dangerous. Also, schedule yearly general check-ups with your doctor and keep these appointments. The doctor can check for any developing cancers and monitor your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in your blood.
Sources
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/addiction-heavy-drinking
- https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health
- https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/mens-health.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2913110/
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/understanding-alcohol-abuse-symptoms
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