Drug and alcohol addiction does not play favorites. It can affect both men and women, regardless of age, race or ethnicity. It lies to both genders equally, making them think they need they it to survive. And while many who abuse drugs or alcohol can stop on their own, there’s an equal number of people who cannot.
Choosing a treatment program can be overwhelming, especially for someone at the height of their addition.
Benefits of Gender Specific Sober Living
Detoxing from drugs and alcohol is more than just stopping. In fact, it’s a multi-faceted process that usually requires the help of qualified medical professionals. While sober living is possible with both genders together, there are reasons why sober living is better when it’s gender specific.
Gender specific treatment programs are specifically for either men or women. By eliminating distractions that often accompanies detoxing with the opposite sex, patients feel more comfortable sharing their personal experience with substance abuse, removing the fear of being judged. It allows both men and women to bond with one another while focusing on personal growth.
Gender Specific Recovery Programs for Women
Women abuse drugs and alcohol for many reasons; some similar to men and others not. Regardless of why, most women are considered the family caretaker and present with their own set of challenges. Some women may not be as financially secure as men. In addition, some women suffer from PTSD due to childhood sexual abuse or other violent crimes. Women may also feel excessive guilt or shame for not being able to hold their family together.
Male-Only Sober Living Programs
Similar to their female counterparts, male-only sober living gives men a chance to focus on self-discovery. While addiction does affect both genders, but males are more likely to meet the criteria for substance dependence. As such, it’s important to approach recovery from the male’s point of view, not a catch all treatment program.
Men are twice as likely to use alcohol or drugs to improve their mood or cope with stressful situations. And these situations don’t have to be ongoing in the present. They can be a result of something that happened in the past, even as remote as childhood. Men are also three times as likely to become dependent on alcohol or illicit drugs.
In addition to treating the addiction itself, gender specific treatment for men can address the following underlying issues as well.
Some of the most common ones include:
- Self-worth issues
- Sexual dysfunction
- Dysfunctional relationships within the family unit
- Anger management
The key to finding your way isn’t about gender; it’s about finding a sober living program that works for you.
Final Thoughts
Although the road to addiction is similar, the path to recovery is dramatically different. Gender-specific sober living gives both genders a chance to confront what’s causing the addictive behavior and find healthy ways to manage triggers. If you’re ready to start your journey to sober living, here’s here to help. Contact one of our addiction counselors today.