Gender-specific treatment is another way of saying that women’s rehab is separate from men’s rehab, even if both programs are offered by the same facility. Generally, men’s rehab is open only to male clients and targets the issues and concerns important to men in recovery. Women’s rehab does the same. It focuses on issues important to women who struggle with addiction. It may seem unnecessary to split treatment programs according to gender. But in reality, this type of treatment for drug and alcohol addiction offers many benefits over co-ed addiction treatment programs.
Gender-Specific Treatment May Feel More Comfortable
Often, male clients admit feeling reluctant to share feelings openly when female clients are present. Many men in today’s society feel trapped by the stereotype of the tough, brazen man who never allows feelings to emerge. These men may feel that crying or falling apart in front of a member of the opposite sex will be viewed as weakness. As a result, they’re afraid to share their emotions for fear of appearing less manly.
Similarly, female clients are often reluctant to share painful experiences, such as sexual assault or domestic violence, in front of male peers. Issues such as these are difficult to talk about. They often bring back repressed feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, and despair. Sharing stories like these can be easier when the audience is entirely female.
For these reasons, gender-specific treatment may actually help move clients through the recovery process more efficiently than a more traditional form of addiction treatment. Honesty and openness are vital to recovery. Subsequently, feeling comfortable during group counseling sessions is of utmost importance.
Gender-Specific Treatment is Often More Targeted
Many clients who enter addiction treatment are battling similar issues. Common ones include:
- Pain from past trauma
- Social anxiety
- Lack of supportive friends and family
- Poor coping skills
- Depression
- Other mental health concerns
However, some issues are typically more pertinent to women than they are to men. These include sexual assault, pregnancy, miscarriage, menopause, and motherhood. Likewise, men are more apt to bring financial stress, emotional repression, the stress of fatherhood, stress on the job, and impotence to the treatment table. While many issues affect both sexes equally, others do not. Addiction treatment that offers men’s rehab and women’s rehab separately is better able to target treatment to the issues most important to each sex.
Gender-Specific Treatment Helps Lessen the Opportunity for Romantic Relationships
Romance is risky for clients in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Even the healthiest relationships have their tumultuous moments. This is why entering a new romantic relationship during recovery is always discouraged. Recovery should be introspective. It should focus entirely on the individual who is trying to remain sober. Tossing a significant other into the mix is a risk that’s not worth taking during the early stages of addiction treatment.
While gender-specific treatment won’t completely keep romantic relationships from forming during treatment, it significantly reduces the risk. This type of treatment allows clients to take more time focusing on their own needs and responsibilities than on the needs of someone to whom they may feel romantically drawn.
Gender-Specific Treatment at Atlantic Recovery Center
Atlantic Recovery Center offers gender-specific treatment for drug and alcohol addiction in South Florida. Our men’s rehab program has helped thousands of men escape the stigma of addiction and move on to experience a drug-free life. Additionally, our women’s rehab program has been equally successful. If you or a loved one currently needs drug and alcohol addiction treatment in the South Florida area, visit Atlantic Recovery Center online or call us today at 1-866-824-5193 to get your life back in alignment.