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Drinking, Drugs, and Men
Drug or alcohol use can cause problems for anyone. But men face some special dangers. They often deal with strong social pressure to abuse alcohol or other drugs. And men are at greater risk for certain health hazards related to drug and alcohol abuse.1 Knowing about these risks is the first step. Being aware can help you to make better choices.
Under Pressure
Do your friends or coworkers drink or use drugs? Believe it or not, their attitudes and opinions likely affect your decisions. Their behaviors can influence when and how much you use, too.
Why do men pressure their buddies and coworkers to drink or take drugs? Unfortunately, some people may think that drinking or drug use proves how much of a man you are. Some men are taught to be tough and emotionless. Drug use lets some men relax from this pressure. Some drink to feel more comfortable in social situations. Others use alcohol or drugs to relax and let out pent-up emotions.
Effects of Substance Use
Substance use disorder can have many harmful effects, including:2
- Increased risk of heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and even death
- Decreased testosterone levels, which affects sexual desire and performance
- Lower sperm production (or abnormal sperm). This makes it harder to conceive healthy children
- Accidents on the job, lowered productivity, or other work performance problems
- Behavior that embarrasses or hurts your family
- Injuries or death caused by accidents, violence, or auto crashes
Steps to Take
You have the power to make better choices about drug use. The right choices can improve your life and the lives of your loved ones and friends.
Here are some suggestions:
- Don’t let anyone push you into taking drinks or drugs.
- If you plan to become a father, protect your fertility. Don’t use drugs.
- If you host a party, don’t push your guests to drink. Make sure that you offer soft drinks and food along with alcohol. And make sure no one drives under the influence.
- If you have a hard time controlling your drug use, get help. A 12-step program or health professional with experience in chemical dependency can help.
Cigna Healthcare Can Help
If you have coverage through Cigna HealthcareSM, we are available by phone at
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1Excessive Alcohol Use and Men's Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, October 23, 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/mens-health.htm
2 Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction, National Institute on Drug Abuse, July 2020, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/addiction-health
This material is provided by Cigna Healthcare for informational/educational purposes only. It is not medical/clinical advice. Only a health care provider can make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment plan. For more information about your behavioral health benefits, you can call the member services or behavioral health telephone number listed on your health care ID card.
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Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT). The Cigna Healthcare name, logo, and other Cigna Healthcare marks are owned by The Cigna Group Intellectual Property, Inc.
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The insurer is issuing the translated form on an informational basis and the English version is controlling for the purposes of application and interpretation.