Men, Addiction, and Intimacy: Strengthening Recovery by Fostering the Emotional Development of Boys and Men

In the substance abuse and addiction treatment realm, males outnumber females two to one. While gender-issues are seen as a key element of women’s treatment, the acknowledgement that males are "gendered beings" who have lived lives full of male-specific developmental challenges is often overlooked. This text takes a developmental lifespan approach to examine the neurobiological and psychosocial factors associated with substance use disorders for males, specifically in relation to emotional growth and awareness, and how these areas, in turn, affect the development of healthy relationships. Theoretical concepts from the field of interpersonal neurobiology, the psychology of boys and men, and the substance abuse and addiction literature are interwoven with practical clinical examples to help elucidate how the notion of fostering emotional development can strengthen the treatment and recovery processes with boys and men. Relevant case examples are included that illustrate work with males of all ages and address a variety of factors associated with culture, ethnicity, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Mental health practitioners will find this a valuable guide to understanding male development in relation to substance use and abuse and providing more comprehensive, gender-responsive counseling and assessment practices.

Mark S. Woodford, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Counselor Education at The College of New Jersey.