If you are struggling to overcome a substance use disorder, you may ask: What is gender-specific treatment, and how can it help? It is a specialized approach that offers treatment to same-gendered individuals. Experts concur that substance abuse can affect men and women in different ways. Thus, for some, gender-specific treatment is the most useful approach to heal and recover.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), men and women can become dependent on substances depending on several factors. However, while many can do well in a mixed rehab center, studies show that a gender-specific treatment can be more successful when it comes to full recovery at Midwest Recovery Center.
What Is Gender-Specific Treatment?
Previously, treatment approaches for those with substance use disorders were more general. Most programs did not address the specific gendered issues that lead individuals into substance abuse. Today, rehab centers offer better options by focusing on an individual’s needs, their particular situation, and gender. In a gender-specific men’s rehab or women’s rehab setting, expect a variety of treatment services, such as:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Substance abuse treatment
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Community housing program
Gender-specific treatment programs are ideal for individuals looking to overcome substance abuse because they enable participants to be more comfortable in sharing their experiences with their peers. This is because people of the same gender are more likely to have undergone similar experiences while abusing substances.
Unique Reactions to Substance Abuse
Several studies cite that women who have gone through physical and sexual abuse are more likely to develop substance dependency than men. However, men are more susceptible to consume multiple substances when compared to women.
The way men and women respond to the use of drugs and substances can be psychologically, physically, and socially different. For example, men and women have differing biology, so the reaction to the consumption of alcohol or drugs may not be the same.
One of the major problems women face when abusing drugs is an adverse stigma that may prevent them from seeking the necessary treatment. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) shows that women are more likely to experience mood disorders (like anxiety and depression) that affect the treatment process.
Different Challenges During Treatment
What is gender-specific treatment, and what challenges do individuals face? Every gender experiences different challenges that can cause a relapse during recovery. Pressures from employers, friends, co-workers, and family members can affect the recovery process.
Many women with children about them while they enter residential rehab treatment. Many leave rehab before completing their entire treatment plan due to guilt about leaving their families.
As such, women undergoing treatment can face a myriad of issues, including:
- Unidentified addiction to relationships or sex
- Lack of support and stigma
- Low self-esteem
- Hormonal changes
- Child care and pregnancy issues
For men, many of the gendered issues facing them deal with the pressures of traditional notions of masculinity and how living up to those norms can cause serious damage to relationships and one’s well-being. Also, these traditional norms exclude a myriad of genders from getting the treatment they need.
Seek Professional Help at Midwest Recovery Center
At Midwest Recovery Center, there are no distractions, so our clients can fully focus on the task at hand – recovery. We understand that you should concentrate on healing, which is why we will offer a personalized treatment plan in a drug-free environment.
Our therapists will help you bond with peers in a group therapy program to enhance recovery through open communication and encouragement.
The right treatment is vital to overcome substance use disorders in men and women. Discussing with rehab center experts is the best start to your recovery journey and get a satisfactory answer to the question: What is gender-specific treatment? Contact Midwest Recovery Center at 833.627.0039 today for more information.
