Young men are more likely than young women to abuse alcohol or other drugs when their romantic relationships go bad, according to a new study from Wake Forest University in North Carolina.
- Dr. Robin Simon studied 1,611 men and women of college age, interviewing them twice in a two year period.
- Both genders reported depression when relationships were troubled.
- Males were more likely to abuse substances at those times.
"Simply being in a relationship may be more important for a woman's identity," said Dr. Simon. "Having a relationship is something that is emphasized constantly for women."
However, the strength of the relationship is helpful to men, and difficult times are particularly hard on them, she said.
"Part of our emotional culture is that men should not feel sad," she said. "While women are free to feel and express emotion, men turned to mood-altering substances to get rid of culturally inappropriate feelings."
Labels: binge drinking, relationships, mental health
Posted By: Aspen Education Group