By: Lakeview Health
What is gender-specific treatment? If you’ve been searching for a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center near you, you may have run across wording like this that seems to be more technical jargon than it is reader-friendly. But in layman’s terms, gender-specific treatment simply means that men are admitted to one recovery program and women to a separate one. Often the two take place at different locations on the same campus or in entirely separate locations. There are many benefits to this type of treatment. We’ve compiled a list of these benefits to help identify the advantages for clients considering admission to a drug and alcohol treatment facility that focuses on gender-specific treatment.
If you or someone you care about is battling a substance use disorder and might benefit from gender-specific treatment, don’t hesitate. Reach out to Lakeview Health today using our secure online form or call us at [Direct]. Our compassionate, expert team of addiction specialists is waiting to give them the tools they need to achieve genuine, long-term recovery.
The Benefits of Gender-Specific Treatment for Men
Addiction affects men and women differently. For instance, men are more likely to become dependent upon illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Men have a higher rate of overdose, as well. Additionally, the issues that cause anxiety or stress for men often differ from those that affect women. For these reasons, gender-specific programs geared toward men offer distinct advantages to that demographic. Issues common to men in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction include:
- Job loss
- Homelessness
- Financial pressures
- Co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Reluctance or inability to share emotions
Men have historically been conditioned to feel they must remain strong in front of members of the opposite sex. For this reason, it’s often easier for men to share with other men when women aren’t present. By limiting treatment to sessions that include only other men, the pressure to appear strong and invincible is lessened, and they can focus on what really matters: meaningful recovery.
Advantages of Gender-Specific Treatment for Women
For women in recovery, gender-exclusive treatment programs may make it easier to share feelings and trauma from the past. For example, issues that commonly affect women in treatment for drug or alcohol abuse include:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual abuse
- Single parenting
- Pregnancy
- Miscarriage
Because the issues that are important to women are often different from those that affect men, inclusion in women-only group therapy sessions and activities promote sharing. It’s difficult for anyone to talk about past trauma, especially when sexual or domestic violence is involved. By limiting treatment to include only other women, recovery becomes less inhibiting, and it becomes easier to open up and talk about the problems that feed their addiction.
How Drug and Alcohol Treatment Helps Both Men and Women
Getting the help you need at an addiction treatment center is a positive step forward regardless of whether you’re male or female. If you’re struggling, choosing a gender-specific approach may make recovery more doable, however. If you find it easier to talk about the issues that affect you without the opposite sex present, then a gender-separate program may be your best option.
Regardless of whether you choose a drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility that separates men and women, admission will still guide you closer to recovery. Treatment programs like the one at Lakeview Health can give you access to experienced therapists and counselors who understand the devastation of addiction.
The critical takeaway is that if you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, you must reach out to a treatment center for professional help. Going it alone is rarely successful and can even be dangerous.
Learn More About Gender-Specific Treatment at Lakeview Health
Lakeview Health serves the Jacksonville, Florida areas, providing excellence in behavioral health care. If you or a loved one needs relief from addiction to drugs or alcohol, we can help you find solutions. Through a 12-step, trauma-informed recovery model, we guide clients gently through the stages of recovery. When you’re ready to ask for help, our experienced clinical staff is waiting to assist you. Contact us today at [Direct] to experience the Lakeview Health difference.
