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According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), men are dependent on substances at nearly twice the rate as women. They are also more likely to engage in binge drinking and to use illicit drugs.
Addiction treatment needs are tailored to the unique experiences of men here at Live Free Recovery. We here at Live Free dedicate our rehab services to men only because, men often face different obstacles when it comes to seeking help for addiction. They may be more likely to deny that they have substance use problems.
Men may also be reluctant to seek help because of the stigma that claims men should be “strong.” This type of thinking is harmful, as men also deserve to live balanced lives that are free of addiction.
Here at Live Free Recovery Services, we offer gender-specific rehab for men. We understand that men face unique challenges that must be addressed during addiction treatment. In our men’s rehab program, we provide customized treatment that focuses on how addiction specifically manifests in men.
How Addiction Affects Men Differently than Women
At Live Free Recovery Services, we recognize that men and women experience addiction in different ways. Men are more likely than women to be introduced to drugs or alcohol at an early age, perhaps as a result of social pressures surrounding masculinity or the desire to fit in. In addition, research has shown that men may be more likely to deny that they have substance abuse problems in the first place.
Before the 1990s, addiction research primarily focused on men. After studies began to include women, many differences were discovered in how men and women experience addiction. The distinctions between how men and women experience addiction stem from both social and biological differences. Furthermore, these differences primarily center around susceptibility, recovery, and risk of relapse, and include the following:
- Men are more likely to become addicted to substances.
- When compared to women, men are more likely to abuse substances due to peer pressure.
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are reportedly more intense for men than for women.
- Men experience longer periods of abstinence than women and are less likely to relapse.
Social differences between men and women surrounding things like childcare responsibilities, addiction stigma, and relationship dynamics (to name a few) factor into how these genders experience addiction and rehab differently. Biological differences regarding hormone production along with average weight and body composition also factor into differences between how men and women are affected by substance abuse. This is why it’s important for men to seek out rehab programs that are designed with their unique needs in mind.
The Importance of Rehab for Men
The existence of rehab for men is of high importance. Men are often raised to be strong by societal standards. This means that they are not raised to be free to show emotion or vulnerability. Instead, many men choose to internalize their feelings and self-medicate with drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
The process of seeking and engaging in addiction treatment is difficult for many men. It is important for staff at an addiction treatment center to understand how men’s internal challenges may present. Finding it difficult to process emotions, many men can become aggressive or combative with staff. Therefore, the staff must be equipped to handle these outbursts in a way that is respectful and helpful to the individual.
At Live Free Recovery Center, our staff has both experience working with men who are recovering from addiction and an understanding of their needs. We provide a safe and welcoming environment for men to heal and recover. To seek help for a serious condition such as a substance use disorder is difficult. Treatment at our rehab for men facility is presented as a sign of strength to break the stigma that treatment is a sign of weakness.
Statistics on Men and Drug Abuse
According to data collected by The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, men abuse nearly every type of substance at a higher rate than women do. An exception was found regarding the abuse of prescription sedatives. The rates for the misuse of prescription sedatives between men and women were the same. The statistics this organization presents are as follows:
- 4% of males abuse opioids, while 3.5% of women abuse opioids.
- 0.5% of men use the illicit drug, heroin, and 0.2% of women use heroin.
- Prescription drugs are abused by 3.9% of men and by 3.4% of women.
- 2.6% of men engage in cocaine use while 1.5% of women use cocaine.
- Twice as many men use methamphetamines as women with 0.8% of men and 0.4% of females using methamphetamines.
- 2.1% of men and 1.6% of women misuse prescription stimulants.
- 2.2% of men misuse prescription tranquilizers, while 2.0% of women do.
Other statistics point to differences between how and why men and women may use drugs. For example, according to The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, women are more likely to do drugs with an intimate partner while men are more likely to do drugs with their other male friends.
When compared to women, men have higher rates of emergency department visits and overdose deaths due to illicit drug use. Furthermore, patterns of use regarding different substances differ when men are compared to women. Some of these differences can be seen in the use of the following substances:
Men and Alcohol Abuse
As previously mentioned, men are more likely to binge drink than women are. Men also require larger amounts of alcohol to become intoxicated, which can lead them to drink large volumes of alcohol when actively drinking. This is due to men’s larger average body size as well as lower average percentages of body fat. Body fat stores alcohol, which slows its absorption into the bloodstream. Differences in gastric tissue activity also cause men to metabolize alcohol at a different rate than women.
Men and Heroin Use
There is also a difference between how men and women interact with the drug heroin. Men are more likely to inject heroin, which contributes to the fact that 20% of men with HIV were infected by sharing injectable materials.
Men also are more likely to use more heroin when engaging in the use of this drug. Additionally, men are seen to use heroin for longer periods of time when compared to women.
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Treatment at Our Rehab for Men Facility
It is important that rehab centers for men offer an array of coping and processing tools. Some examples might include: therapy, meditation, support groups, and physical activity.
Treatment at our rehab for men facility includes the following:
- Inpatient Treatment: Also known as residential treatment, inpatient treatment offers around-the-clock care and support. This is ideal for men who are struggling with severe chemical dependency or co-occurring disorders. Our inpatient rehab programs offer a variety of evidence-based therapies, including individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, relapse prevention planning, and more.
- Outpatient Treatment: Men who need less intensive care (than inpatient treatment) benefit from outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment offers a more flexible schedule and can be tailored to each man’s unique needs. We offer a variety of evidence-based therapies, including individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, relapse prevention planning, and more in our outpatient addiction treatment programs.
Types of Outpatient Treatment Include the Following
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP): IOP is two steps down from inpatient treatment, but still offers a higher level of care than traditional outpatient treatment. An IOP program is for men who need more structure and support than outpatient treatment can provide, but who don’t require the 24/7 care of inpatient treatment. IOP typically meets 3-5 days per week for 3-5 hours each day, though this depends on the needs of the individual.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Partial hospitalization is a step down from inpatient treatment yet is a higher level of care than the other types of outpatient care. A PHP program meets 5-7 days per week for 5-8 hours per day, depending on the needs of the individual.
While rehab for men and rehab for women may have some similarities in terms of treatment approaches and rehab settings, there are also many important differences that need to be taken into account. For example, research has shown that men benefit from goal-oriented rehab programs. Ultimately though, no matter what your needs are, our rehab for men facility here at Live Free Recovery will work to meet those needs.
Men’s Only Sober Living at Live Free Recovery Services
After addiction treatment, some men will require a safe living situation where they can stay clean while continuing to heal. A sober living program can do just that. Our men’s only sober living program is designed to provide all the support and guidance needed for men to maintain their sobriety and rebuild their life.
As well as serving as a temporary residence, our men’s sober living house here at Live Free Recovery includes social, medical, psychiatric, educational, and other services. Additionally, the house rules are set and maintained to promote responsibility and safety. Members of the sober living house will be required to follow a code of conduct, respect the designated curfew, and stay sober.
Men who participate in our sober living housing must also maintain employment. If you are not employed, you will be required to actively seek employment, schedule interviews, and submit applications. This is an important step in rebuilding your life and gaining back some independence.
Rehab for Men at Live Free Recovery Services
Whether you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, opioid addiction, or another substance, we can help. Our rehab for men programs offer comprehensive treatment that are customized to fit your individual needs.
We know that it can be difficult to ask for help, but we also know that it is worth it. If you are struggling with addiction, please reach out to us today at Live Free Recovery Services. We can help you get on the path to recovery and sobriety.