Inpatient Drug And Alcohol Rehab Programs For Men Only

Inpatient Drug And Alcohol Treatment Programs For Men

Typically, society places expectations on men to be strong, stoic, and without emotion. This expectation tends to affect how people behave in co-ed situations. Men could be less likely to share, or be completely truthful, in situations where women are present, including within rehab treatment programs.

Men’s only treatment programs encourage men to engage in activities that will help to address, disclose, and come to terms with their alcohol or substance abuse. These situations may be uncomfortable and participation could be affected if additional factors lead to increased feelings of embarrassment, shame, or discomfort. Some men feel more comfortable disclosing in situations where there are only other men present, which is why men’s only treatment facilities are available.

Inpatient treatment centers use group therapy to help individuals gain insight into their own behaviors, identify with others, and build support systems. In the group setting, it is extremely important that participants trust other group members and feel comfortable contributing.

In an all-male group setting, men may feel more confident opening up about circumstances that may have led to their alcohol or substance abuse, including emotional, physical, and sexual trauma. This environment may also be more suitable for discussing the male side of topics that affect men and women, including:

• abuse (being abused or the abuser)
• masculinity
• providing for loved ones (or inability to do so)
• aggression

Treatment programs that are solely for men allow for focus to remain on treatment. Often, men struggle with appropriate coping strategies and engage in distracting behaviors and relationships to ease discomfort from intense situations.

Eliminating additional distractions by creating a male only environment can assist in the treatment process, reduce distractions, and address the repressed feelings that could occur after being clouded by alcohol or substance abuse.

Substance Abuse And Addiction In Men

Substance abuse in men is more likely to occur at an early age and for recreational use. Men sometimes abuse alcohol or substances as a way to self-medicate for issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Another reason they may engage in substance abuse is to improve work performance.

Men are more likely to use drugs in general, and more intensely. They are more likely to abuse alcohol, binge drink, have severe marijuana use, and abuse heroin intravenously. Men are also more likely to seek out treatment or rehab due to legal problems or work-related consequences. These factors contribute to a need for a men’s only rehab facility.

There are several reasons why men may turn to substance abuse. If they are dissatisfied with specific elements of their life, such as their career, self-esteem, body issues, or marital problems, they may engage in alcohol or substance abuse. History of trauma and family substance abuse are also factors that contribute to substance abuse in men.

Men also tend to avoid treatment for reasons unique to them. These reasons can include:

• they think seeking treatment is a sign of weakness
• fear of damaging their career
• financial reasons
• they believe drinking is “just something men do”
• they believe they can overcome addiction without help

Signs Of Substance Abuse In Men

There are many signs that could indicate alcohol or substance abuse in men. Any significant change in behavior could indicate alcohol or substance abuse. The following warning signs may indicate a significant problem that warrants intervention.

Possible signs of substance abuse in men include but are not limited to:

• driving while under the influence
• significant weight changes
• using alcohol or substances at work
• drinking alcohol every day
• signs of drinking or drug paraphernalia (empty cans, bottles, syringes, rolling papers, etc.)
• breakdown of connection to close friends or family
• signs of anxiety or frustration when unable to use drugs or alcohol
• signs of withdrawal when he hasn’t used in a period of time

Drug And Alcohol Detox Programs For Men

When detoxification takes place in an inpatient setting, the professionals monitoring this process can explore the possibility of co-occurring, or co-morbid, disorders. It is common that men who struggle with substance abuse have other diagnoses, such as depression and anxiety. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), over half of all individuals with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders are men.

However, until the detox process is complete, these conditions are difficult to diagnose. Once the detox process is complete, substance abuse treatment can begin. Most men’s only inpatient treatment locations offer treatment for co-occurring diagnoses as well.

Men, on average, take longer to complete the detox process than women do. This is a result of many factors, including size, weight, and length of use. After completing detox, if it is found that co-occurring diagnoses exist, treatment can begin for those as well.

Sometimes, depression and anxiety can be addressed during therapy. Other times, medication may be the most appropriate treatment option. All issues identified during a clinical assessment can be addressed at a men’s only treatment facility.

How Is A Men’s Only Addiction Treatment Program Different?

Men sometimes associate negative feelings with help-seeking behaviors surrounding treatment for alcohol and substance abuse. It is important to obtain services that makes the person seeking treatment feel comfortable. This can include gender-based treatment, such as men’s only treatment facilities.

While sharing experiences can be beneficial in a substance abuse situation, some topics that arise may not be appropriate for a co-ed setting. Reducing the need to address gender issues by having a men’s only facility can help focus treatment on issues associated with men and substance abuse, such as the social pressures men regularly endure, or how their drug use began. Being able to share common experiences with other men can be a helpful tool for building meaningful relationships in the recovery process.

Societal expectations are sometimes a focus of men’s only treatment facilities. Because these expectations tend to put extreme pressures on men, this can be one of the reasons men first become susceptible to substance abuse.

Also, these expectations often define asking for help as a sign of weakness, so addressing this issue may help make sure men are receiving as many benefits as possible from treatment. Allowing men to overcome these societal expectations encourages the commitment necessary for life-long recovery.

Find A Male-Oriented Rehab Center Today

If you think that you, a loved one, or family member may benefit from a men’s only inpatient treatment program, contact us today.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff