Overcoming addiction is one of the toughest challenges in life. Those trying to heal from alcohol abuse need all the support available to go through this moment. Addiction can affect different demographics in different ways. That’s why rehab clinics are getting increasingly specialized in certain types of drugs and patients.
Acknowledging Differences
Addiction is a never-ending inner fight, regardless of the demographics. However, men and women are usually affected in different ways. Such a difference calls for a more gender-specific approach. Men tend to consume much more alcohol and other substances than women and start drinking at an earlier age.
Also, the social situations that trigger such use are different for both. So, the psychological approach to the treatment must be different. More clinics and rehab centers are beginning to acknowledge such differences. Now, there’s quite a variety of gender-specific rehab programs.
The First Steps
The way out of this torment begins by acknowledging addiction. Only then it’s possible to begin the healing process. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, this process can be divided into four stages. The first stage is when the treatment starts, after which comes the first effects of abstinence. The third stage implies resisting abstinence until racing the final stage, or advanced recovery.
Depending on each case, there are different types of facilities for the treatment. Most treatments are “inpatient” when the patient remains in the facility all the time; and “outpatient” when the patient joins the activities during the day but goes back home for the night. It’s possible to find amen-only rehab clinics with both types of programs.
Why Choosing Gender-Specific Treatments?
Fighting addiction isn’t easy; those going through this path need and deserve all the support they can get. Going gender-specific means tackling the most pressing issues of both genders. Check below a few reasons for choosing this approach above others.
Highly Specialized Treatment
Men and women can handle different amounts of alcohol, affecting their health differently, too. Although women might feel the damaging effects of alcohol earlier than men, men are more prone to binge drinking. As a result, more men develop alcohol-related problems. Men also tend to feel more ashamed of their own addiction, which makes them less likely to seek help.
More Openness in Supportive Groups
There are a variety of subjects that patients might feel uncomfortable about in the presence of the opposite sex. Gender-specific supportive groups work around this barrier. There, patients can talk more openly about sensitive topics, such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, or humiliating situations caused by alcohol abuse.
No Tensions or Distractions
Same-sex supportive groups and therapies tend to have much less sexual tension involved. It means that patients won’t have any distractions during the sessions. Men-only supportive groups have also proved effective in creating a sense of brotherhood and strengthening friendship bonds between members. Such a sense of brotherhood can be vital during testing times.
One Step At The Time
There are several men-only rehab programs in clinics and sober houses today. Choosing a rehab program is one of the most important steps toward recovery. So, it’s crucial to do careful research before planning your next step. Look into alcohol detoxification centers in Massachusetts if you live in the Northeast.
The recovery process goes way beyond the in-clinic treatment, and it’s a resolution patients must make for life. The best rehab programs will also offer psychological support, group sessions, and other activities for those already in the advanced stage of recovery. Look for professional advice to choose between inpatient or outpatient treatments, rehab facilities, and sober houses.
