4 Benefits of Gender-Specific Addiction Treatment

A gender-specific treatment program is one in which men and women engage in separate addiction treatment paths. The same quality of care is provided. What’s different is the way it is presented and how it is received. It is just as important to choose a location with expert clinicians and comprehensive care for those seeing a women’s or men’s addiction treatment center.

Why Choose Gender-Specific Addiction Treatment?

Addiction affects men and women differently. Patterns of substance abuse differ in men and women because of their use, how they get started, and even the types of drugs they use. Men often use drugs to increase sociability or improve concentration. Women engage after traumatic experiences or relationships. That’s why addiction treatment needs to be different as well.

In a women’s or men’s rehab program, the goal is still the same. That is to heal the underlying damage caused by addiction and provide people with a way of living a healthy lifestyle.

The Benefits of This Type of Addiction Treatment

As you consider the addiction treatment programs in Florida, there’s a great deal to expect for overall healing. In a gender-specific treatment program, you may see benefits such as:

1. Reduced fear or unwillingness to participate: Some individuals may not feel comfortable sharing or becoming involved in treatment that is coed because of abuse or trauma they have suffered at the hands of another gender.
2. Treatment is specialized: That includes addressing the emotional, relational, and psychological differences between men and women.
3. There’s more comfort: During treatment, people can open up and share more, knowing there’s less risk for conflict from the opposite gender. This creates a sense of trust and improves bonding among individuals.
4. Opens the lines of communication: Men and women can speak freely without social or cultural pressures limiting their ability to open up. This includes discussing topics that may seem taboo otherwise.

 

There are other benefits. Often, addiction is an opportunity to work through all types of past trauma and pain. It can also address mental health disorders present without the feelings of embarrassment. Stigmas fall to the side as many people in these programs deal with the same symptoms and complications.

What Happens in an Addiction Treatment Program Like This?

When enrolling in treatment, a full assessment is completed as a first step. Most people begin with detox if they are actively using. Some may need medications to assist in treatment. Mental health disorders are stabilized, too.

 

During treatment, most people work with their therapist through individual therapy. This is a time to open up to a professional who can help you work through trauma and learn about your underlying cause of addiction.

 

In group therapy, when people of the same gender come together, there is an opportunity to learn and heal. Group therapy is where gender-specific treatment comes into play. It allows for:

• Opening up about past pain and struggles
• Learning to communicate more effectively to voice your needs
• Exploring strategies for managing symptoms of stress in an effective manner
• Working through stigmas and misconceptions of addiction
• Creating skills to use after treatment to remain drug-free

 

Also, men and women live in separate areas during residential treatment. That creates more opportunities to meet others. This may allow you to form new bonds with others and explore friendships in a new way. Many men and women find that these are lasting relationships because they are surrounded by others who get what they are facing. That’s hard to find outside of this circle.

Seeking Out Treatment Opens the Door for a Better Future

Addiction treatment isn’t something to put off. Entering a gender-specific program can create new opportunities for you. It allows your body and brain to heal. To learn more, seek out a treatment program and enroll now.

Originally posted: https://www.beachesrecovery.com/