Recovery from substance abuse requires treatment that is specialized and customized for your individual needs. While addiction causes similar issues and may have related causes, men and women face unique issues during recovery. Men’s addiction treatment programs focus on issues men typically face during addiction and recovery.
Gender-specific treatment programs also help increase treatment outcomes. Men are more likely to struggle with substance abuse issues than women and can be less likely to express emotions or feelings that need to be discussed during recovery. A men’s addiction treatment program utilizes treatment strategies that address problems that occur more frequently in men. Additionally, men’s addiction treatment programs seek to improve engagement among patients, as men are less social and less engaged with therapy than women.
Issues Men Face During Addiction and Recovery
Men are more likely to struggle with substance abuse issues, due to a variety of factors. Men typically view drugs as safer than women and face less social stigma for using drugs or drinking heavily. In fact, men are nearly twice as likely as women to develop a substance use disorder. Men are also less likely to seek medical help if they overdose, making men more likely than women to experience a fatal overdose.
Most men are more likely to use drugs and alcohol when pressured to do so in a social situation and are more inclined to use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. They also commonly cope with emotional problems related to being a family provider, which can cause additional stress during recovery.
Men usually relapse because they are experiencing positive emotions, while women typically relapse due to negative emotions and events. Men, however, are less likely to relapse.
Some other issues men face during addiction and recovery include:
- Difficulty forging social connections
- Lack of socializing can cause feelings of isolation and loneliness
- Being less likely to talk about and express emotions during therapy
- Feeling the need to be in control of their addiction and recovery
- Feeling the need to be the provider for their family
How Men’s Addiction Treatment Programs Work
A men’s addiction treatment program adapts their treatment to meet the needs of male clients. This Texas drug rehab will work to engage men in therapy, which can be difficult because men feel a sense of independence and can view reaching out for help as a sign of weakness. A men’s addiction treatment program may feature vocational rehabilitation and job matching services to address the need for patients to provide financial support for their family, private drug rehabs are also available.
Since men tend to be more goal oriented, men’s addiction treatment will regularly review treatment plans and work to prepare you for the next phase of treatment. It is also common for physical activities and sports to be utilized in men’s treatment programs. Residential programs are often more comfortable and effective as they let the patient stay closer to home and nearer to a support system.
Infographic Credit: Serenity Light Recovery
Finding a Men’s Addiction Treatment Program
Finding men’s addiction treatment programs is the first step towards recovery from substance abuse issues. Remember, it’s important to find a good men’s addiction treatment center Florida offers. One that has the experience, compassion, and dedication needed to support recovery and treat addiction.