At Solution Based Treatment, we understand that substance abuse disorders affect men and women differently. We offer men’s and women’s gender-specific treatment programs that are tailored to the emotional and medical needs of each gender. These programs remove the distractions that can arise by being around the opposite sex and help clients feel more comfortable talking about sensitive issues. Men’s and women’s programs can help individuals build lasting relationships with their peers in a safe and judgment-free environment.
How Addiction Affects Genders Differently
There are fundamental biological and cultural differences between men and women in terms of substance abuse. Gender differences exist in rates of dependence, choice of substance, and how the brain responds to substance use. Studies also show that women and men have different reasons for substance use in the first place and differing circumstances that cause them to relapse. Gender-specific treatment programs are sensitive to all of these issues and address the unique needs of each of the sexes in a comfortable and supportive environment.
What Are the Benefits of Gender-Specific Treatment?
Gender-specific Treatment Is Specialized
Research has shown that most men are admitted to a drug or alcohol treatment center for heavy binge drinking and marijuana use. Women have a higher rate of abusing prescriptions, such as painkillers. Plus, men may require residential treatment or a 90-day program, where fewer women require this level of treatment.
There Are Fewer distractions in Your Drug Treatment Program
Being around a member of the opposite sex in rehab can prove to be a distraction, as it creates mental, emotional, or physical sexual tension. Clients may become attracted to each other or afraid to open up around each other. Clients do better when the potential for this type of distraction is removed.
Peer Support Abounds
A key component to success in rehab is peer support and interaction. Having shared life experiences with others that a person can relate to encourages everyone in the room to participate in therapy. Women face certain challenges that only women can relate to. The same is true for men.
Treatment Is more Effective When People Are More Comfortable
If clients do not feel comfortable being in a room with the opposite gender, they are less likely to participate or engage with others. As a result, they do not benefit from the group therapy sessions. However, a person who does feel a connection with those around is more likely to participate in the sessions and get more out of them.
More Time Spent Discussing Gender-Specific Issues
Both men and women have gender-specific issues that brought them into addiction. These are issues that are best discussed and shared among those of the same gender. After all, only women can truly understand the issues that women go through. On the same level, men have a given set of issues that they battle with that women cannot understand.
Contact SBT to Learn More About Gender-Specific Rehab
Substance abuse affects every individual differently. By tailoring to the needs of each gender, gender-specific treatment programs provide men and women with the right tools and treatment methods to overcome substance abuse. If you think that you could benefit from a gender-specific treatment program, contact our dedicated treatment team today for more information.
We offer a variety of addiction treatment programs, including:
- Drug and alcohol detox
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Sober living program
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Rock to Recovery (also known as music therapy)
Contact Solution Based Treatment at 833.999.1941 to learn more about your gender-specific treatment options and to learn more about how we can help you get you on a life-long path to recovery.