What’s the point of entering one of the men’s rehab programs? Is there really a difference when you compare it to a co-ed facility? In fact, many program participants value the gender-specific atmosphere of a men’s addiction program. Here’s why.
The Focus of Men’s Rehab Programs
A men’s addiction program has a unique focus. It wants to help you put your experiences into context. Because men and women live through chemical dependency differently, your understanding of what happened is unique to you. Most importantly, healing must take place against this backdrop.
A good-quality substance abuse treatment program lets you examine different facets of your life. How did substance abuse harm relationships with loved ones? How did it affect your ability to get ahead professionally? Most importantly, how did addiction change your sense of self-perception?
Evidence-Based Treatments Hone in on Your Unique Needs
A men’s addiction program doesn’t have to find a middle of the road approach to appeal to female participants, too. In contrast, it’s unapologetically gender-specific. Evidence-based modalities all focus on your needs as a man. Examples include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy that emphasizes the switch from negative thought and emotional patterns to positive ones
- Mindfulness training as a way to react to stressors in the here and now rather than with worry or fear
- Nutritional counseling that factors in your unique needs for a healthy lifestyle that meets your energy requirements
- Experiential therapy that emphasizes your need for validation, relationship building, and return to self-reliance
- Family therapy, which encourages open communication with loved ones and examines household roles
Group therapy at men’s rehab programs creates the peer experience you crave. You recognize that you aren’t alone. Most importantly, you understand that falling victim to chemical dependency doesn’t make you a failure. Similarly, you come to realize that working on recovery is a courageous decision.
Different Interpretations of the Gender-Specific Treatment Model
The typical drug rehab program takes place in a single-sex facility. Operators only welcome men for treatment. However, there are also other interpretations. For example, another type of men’s addiction program may include both genders.
That said, some therapeutic interventions remain gender-specific. In these situations, you may have male-only group therapy sessions for some processes or meetings. However, you may also participate in mixed groups for others. Living at the facility typically emphasizes gender separation, but you do meet up at breakfast and after hours.
When you struggle with addiction, you owe it to yourself to get help. Good-quality mens rehab programs offer the care you need right now. Don’t let this day go by without making the most important phone call of your life.
