Traditional male roles in society may have an impact on men’s behavior in treatment, their interest levels in seeking treatment, and strategies for engaging men in substance abuse treatment. Gender-specific programs offer benefits by customizing interventions to fit the individual needs and experiences of men. In this blog post, we’ll highlight some of the barriers that men face in getting help for addiction and discuss how gender-specific treatment for men works.
Gender-specific treatment for addiction can offer various advantages that are customized to men’s individual needs and experiences. These programs provide a safe environment in which men can look at social expectations, perceived masculine standards, and the impact of gender roles on drug use. They also provide a supportive environment for men to communicate openly, relate to one another’s challenges, and establish a sense of kinship and brotherhood. Men may safely explore their emotions, question conventional ideals of masculinity, and acquire appropriate coping techniques through gender-specific treatment. Contact Origins Recovery Center now to learn more about the advantages of gender-specific treatment for yourself or someone you love.
What Treatment Barriers Do Men Face?
Men may confront a variety of challenges to receiving addiction treatment, ranging from societal shame to conditioned resistance to showing vulnerability. They may be concerned about the effects of getting treatment on their professions, relationships, or social standing. Men may prioritize jobs and family over their personal well-being if they are breadwinners with wives and children. If a man lives in a rural area or a small town without a treatment center, access might be a problem. Internalized stigma and shame connected with addiction can also prevent men from getting substance use support and sharing their problems openly. Another potential obstacle for men with a history of aggression is the risk of becoming combative or competitive with others in the male treatment group or the overt resistance to the suggestions of treatment personnel.
What Is Gender-Specific Treatment?
Gender-specific addiction treatment for men refers to treatment programs or techniques that are specially developed to address men’s unique needs, experiences, and barriers. These programs identify and account for gender differences that may impact addiction and recovery. These programs explore how traditional male norms and roles influence men’s drug use. They examine masculinity issues, address interpersonal dynamics, identify co-occurring mental health disorders, and offer coping skills relevant to men’s experiences. A supportive peer environment allows men to connect with each other and relate to others who have similar experiences with addiction. Also, they encourage men to practice a healthy expression of emotions and learn emotional regulation skills to help sustain recovery. For men with post-traumatic stress, trauma-informed care can help them address the underlying issues from distressing experiences that may have contributed to their addiction.
What Makes It Different?
While screening and assessing male patients for substance use disorders, behavioral health therapists can take a variety of steps to reduce the anxiety that males may feel while seeking professional help. Men may feel intimidated or uneasy about getting treatment, so addiction specialists in treatment settings spend time initially forming rapport and establishing a relationship before initiating screening and evaluation. To help men feel more comfortable accepting recovery steps, addiction professionals may reframe admission to treatment as a success and a display of strength and courage.
Five Benefits of Gender-Specific Treatment for Men
There are several potential benefits to having all-male treatment setting, with male treatment staff as hosts of these programs.
1. Enhanced sense of camaraderie and support: Gender-specific programs create an atmosphere in which males may interact with and relate to others who share similar addiction experiences and issues. Peer support and camaraderie can help develop a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer a place for shared understanding and empathy.
2. Addressing masculinity-related issues: Gender-specific treatment can address problems connected to masculinity that may lead to or worsen addiction. These programs can explore cultural standards, gender roles, and the influence of traditional male norms on men’s drug use. This approach helps men evaluate and address damaging masculine attitudes and practices while fostering healthy coping methods.
3. Targeted treatment approaches: Treatment techniques can be tailored to the unique needs of men through gender-specific programs. This tailoring can assist in addressing the particular elements that lead to addiction, including relationship dynamics, co-occurring mental health concerns, trauma, and masculinity-related obstacles. Targeted treatment can increase the general success rate of the treatment process.
4. Encouragement of emotional expression and vulnerability: Men may feel pressured by society to repress their emotions and adopt a stoic front. Gender-specific programs provide males with a secure environment in which to explore and express their feelings, develop emotional intelligence, and exercise healthy emotional control. Encouragement of emotional expression and openness can contribute to deeper healing and sustained recovery.
5. Role modeling and mentorship: Male role models and mentors who have successfully navigated their own addiction recovery are frequently included in gender-specific programs. These individuals can offer direction, motivation, and support, as well as serve as good role models for men in treatment. Role modeling and mentorship can assist men in learning new skills, developing resilience, and gaining hope for their own recovery path.
Where Can Men Find Gender-Specific Help?
Finding the best treatment program for you may take some time and research, but it’s certainly worth it. Remember to inquire about treatment methods, therapeutic modalities, support services, and any components that meet the specific needs of men in recovery while researching gender-specific programs. This will help you recognize if a program is truly tailored to your specific interests and needs. Origins Recovery Center in Texas provides gender-specific treatment for men with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
Origins Recovery Center is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1019.
