Men’s Rehab Programs

What is a Men’s Recovery Program?

Men and women tend to experience many aspects of life differently. Addiction is one of them. Men’s rehab programs focus on male-specific recovery. They address the unique root causes, mental and physical health concerns, and other aspects of addiction that men face.

Men often choose different substances than women and abuse them in different ways, at different rates, and for different reasons. Because of these differences, their recovery goals often differ, too.

Many have achieved lasting sobriety by attending a men’s rehab program. Read on to see if this may also be the right choice for you.

Benefits of Gender-Specific Programs

One of the most common concerns of men seeking rehab treatments is the fear of judgment. For many, opening up in recovery is easier when you’re surrounded by others who can more closely relate to your experience.

While there are plenty of benefits to traditional rehab programs, some prefer a setting that includes a group of same-sex peers. This type of group can add focus to the conversation. For example, a group in a men’s rehab program might focus more on work pressures and drinking or taking drugs to cope with societal expectations.

A group of women in a recovery program, on the other hand, might focus more on the pressures of parenthood and drinking or taking drugs to cope with feelings of anxiety or depression. That is not to say that men don’t have these same experiences or that they can’t understand them.

Root causes like these just occur at different rates between the sexes. For example, the prevalence of major depression is higher in women than in men. Therefore, it may be a larger part of the conversation for women than for men.

Biological differences, different root causes, and mixed-gender distractions may make it harder for men or women in traditional rehab meetings to focus. Gender-specific programs reduce or eliminate many of these concerns.

Mental Health, PTSD, and Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Men

While men tend to experience anxiety and major depression at lower rates than women, this does not mean that men do not also experience them. And certain mental health disorders occur at higher rates among men than among women.

For example, rates of schizophrenia are two to three times higher among men than among women. Men and women experience similar rates of obsessive-compulsive disorder. And men who experience combat or childhood trauma may later suffer post-traumatic stress disorder.

When addiction and mental health disorders co-exist, we call the combination a dual diagnosis. Neither condition is one to be ignored. We can’t wish, will, or ignore them away. And neither is something to be ashamed of or try to hide.

What Causes a Dual Diagnosis?

Addiction and mental health disorders often occur together. In some cases, someone suffering from a mental health disorder might self-medicate to cope with the disorder’s symptoms and find peace. This is not an effective long-term strategy. Both conditions will only worsen over time.

In other cases, someone might start by abusing drugs or alcohol for entirely different reasons and find later that they’ve developed a mental health disorder. In either order, both conditions should be treated simultaneously.

Treating only one or the other is ineffective and will likely lead to relapse. Lasting recovery requires a mental, physical, and spiritual approach. Life is about balance and harmony. So is addiction recovery.

Our dual diagnosis program addresses both disorders for a well-rounded and effective approach to overcoming our addictions and improving our health. But before that can happen, some misconceptions must be discarded.

Toxic Masculinity and its Effects

Traditional male roles promote a lack of emotion as a show of strength. They encourage competition, aggression, and superiority over unity and affection. Male pride and ego have prevented many from getting the help that they need and deserve.

Toxic masculinity, in today’s society, limits men to traditional roles from a different time. Many men were raised to believe that their only option is to be or appear strong, no matter what, which is not a healthy way to live.

Prioritizing perceived strength over actual emotional health has led countless men to turn to drugs and alcohol to numb their emotional pain before anyone can notice it. This is one explanation for why men are more likely than women to use almost all types of illicit drugs.  

At most ages, men also experience higher rates of use and dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs. But men are taught to swallow their feelings, walk-off their physical pain, and move along. And these unhealthy approaches are not conducive to a happy, healthy, sober life.

Men’s rehab programs are designed to flip the script on toxic masculinity and traditional, damaging male roles. Men can be both providers and provided for. Men can be both strong and emotionally open. Men can recover without fear of judgment, shame, or guilt.

Men’s Programs for Recovery Success

It is impossible to prioritize both egotism and recovery. It’s time to break the cycle of toxic masculinity and addiction. Men’s rehab programs address the unique biological, social, health, and economic aspects of male addiction.

They provide a safe and supportive environment for men who feel more comfortable discussing their problems in the presence of other men. This is also an ideal setting for group treatments because men and women benefit from different therapeutic techniques.

Some of the evidence-based therapies we offer include:

• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Medication-assisted therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy 
• Music therapy
• Art therapy

Yoga, mindfulness, relapse prevention, and life skills training are some additional proven methods we employ. Each of our customized treatment plans features a range of proven treatment techniques. The primary difference among them is the setting.

Inpatient Treatment for Men

Inpatient rehab is generally considered the most effective recovery setting for those with moderate to severe addictions, a history of relapse, little social support at home, and health concerns.

With 24-hour access to medical care, support, and guidance, inpatient men’s rehab programs offer the highest levels of support. They provide a highly structured and monitored recovery in a safe and comfortable home-like setting.

One of the primary benefits of a residential stay is the removal of temptations and triggers. Free from temptations, triggers, and distractions, you are free to focus on your recovery. During your stay, you’ll attend meetings, groups, counseling, meals, monitored outings, and other activities.

Many go through the detox stage here, transition into an inpatient program, and move into an outpatient program after. While this is typically the first step after detox, not everyone requires inpatient care. Others may find that work or family obligations prevent it.

This shouldn’t deter you from getting the help you need and deserve. We offer different addiction treatment options to ensure that all our clients’ unique needs are met. And we’re ready to help you find the path that will meet your unique needs, too.

Rediscovering Your Life at The Discovery House

Addiction isn’t the end of the line. It’s a roadblock that is currently holding you back from living your best life. It’s time to rediscover that life or build one even better at The Discovery House. From detox to aftercare, we’re here to provide the support, care, and guidance you need. Call us today at 818-452-1676 for more information. Our call line is always open.