Invulnerability can lead to substance use
Denial of mental health problems, as well as familial and societal expectations for males to silence their pain, can fuel self-medication. Getting to the bottom of issues along with shoving stigma to the side are two keys to freedom.
SELF-MEDICATION | DEPRESSION
PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION
From a young age, boys pick up the message that showing emotions isn’t okay. They hear things like “man up” or “stay strong” when they’re hurt, so feelings like sadness and fear get pushed down. Over time, that takes a toll on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Some turn to drinking or substances to cope. Getting together to drink with friends is often seen as normal, but it can replace talking about what’s really going on inside. Breaking that pattern takes support and understanding from others.
With unresolved, self-medicated behaviors, anger can become the go-to emotion because it’s one of the few that feels acceptable. When life hits hard—like a breakup, job loss, or conflict—anger is the first thing to show up. For others, emotions get buried completely to avoid looking weak. Either way, pain goes unspoken and unresolved. Talking about feelings beyond anger can open the door to better coping, stronger relationships, and a healthier, more balanced, substance-free life. Check out our blog for videos and podcasts dealing with substance use, and start healing today.