Drug treatment centers offer varying services, including co-ed programs. While co-ed programs cater to both male and female clients, a men’s rehab program only treats males. Gender plays a role not only in addiction but also in recovery. Men are more prone to drug addiction than women and face unique challenges during recovery. A men’s addiction program also addresses stigmas men encounter when seeking treatment.
Co-ed rehab programs can create potential problems, especially for patients that are victims of opposite-sex domestic violence. Co-ed rehab houses men and women separately but integrates both genders during therapy and education programs. However, co-ed programs can improve understanding of the opposite sex in a manner gender specific-program can’t.
For men struggling with addiction, it is important to understand the benefits of a men’s rehab program and co-ed rehab programs before choosing the right treatment center for your needs.
A Typical Men’s Rehab Program
A typical men’s addiction rehab program in Jacksonville FL provides an environment that solely focuses on the needs of male patients. While there is visiting hours and staff may be a mix of men and women, a men’s rehab program will consist of only male clients. A men’s rehab program will also likely only attend all-male AA and NA meetings.
Several key benefits of a men’s addiction rehab include:
- Men feel more comfortable
- They are more likely to participate in group therapy
- Men can express emotions involving sexuality easier
- Men will focus more on addressing addiction issues
- Less potential romantic distractions
- Creates a less judgmental environment
A Typical Co-Ed Rehab Program
While co-ed programs can be as successful as a men’s addiction rehab, they come with unique challenges for men and women, which include:
- Potential for romantic relationships to evolve
- Difficulty for patients that experienced domestic violence or trauma
- Patients may be unwilling to express certain feelings in front of the opposite gender
- Stress upon patients that struggle with body image issues
- Increased chance of conflict caused by gender politics
- Creating difficulty upon relationships
Co-ed programs don’t allow relationships and can discharge patients who engage in them. Some group therapy sessions may involve both men and women, while others may be catered to only one gender. Men and women also approach treatment and mental health issues differently, making co-ed programs problematic. Men are inclined to trust other men more than women, which can create barriers in co-ed problems and make a men’s rehab program more effective.
While co-ed programs can be beneficial in helping men and women understand each other better, they can create additional distractions that are detrimental to clients.
Getting Help
When researching what type of a men’s drug addiction rehab center Florida offers, make sure they have the experience and expertise needed to treat addiction and understands how to create an environment that supports and encourages recovery. The first step to recovery is always the most difficult one – but it is the most important one too. Take the first step today.
