Men who struggle with addiction can be more difficult to diagnose because they hide their behavior. They may try to numb chronic pain or combat exhaustion with substances.

Men also tend to be less comfortable engaging in therapy. This is because they are expected to be stoic and self-reliant, and asking for help can be seen as a sign of weakness.

Gender-specific rehab

Men and women experience drug addiction differently, so it’s important to find a gender-specific treatment center that can provide the right kind of care. This specialized type of rehab is designed to address gender-specific physiological and emotional needs that may affect the recovery process.

For instance, women may feel more comfortable discussing traumatic events with other women. They also have different relationships with substance abuse, which makes them more likely to seek treatment (Grella and Joshi 1999).

Gender-specific treatment centers can be beneficial for men and women who are struggling with sexual trauma or abusive relationships. These facilities provide a safe and supportive environment to discuss these issues without the distraction of opposite-sex relationships. Additionally, gender-specific treatment programs eliminate the risk of co-dependent male or female relationships developing in early recovery. This can help you stay on the path to recovery and avoid relapse.

Dual diagnosis treatment

People with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder often develop substance abuse problems as well. In some cases, the substance use exacerbates or triggers the mental illness, while in others it is used as self-medication. During dual diagnosis treatment, professionals address both disorders simultaneously.

Some treatments for co-occurring disorders include cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups and medication. These therapies can help improve your ability to cope with stress, and may even relieve symptoms of a mental illness. For example, a counselor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to teach you how to identify and change ineffective patterns of thinking. They might also suggest dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which helps reduce negative behaviors such as drug or alcohol use, cutting and suicidal thoughts.

Whether you’re experiencing mental illness or struggling with addiction, it’s important to seek treatment. The team at Long Island Interventions can help you find the right rehab program for your unique needs.

Men’s only groups

Men who are struggling with addiction may benefit from men-only rehab programs. These programs provide an environment where males can share their stories and struggles without fear of judgment or shame. In addition, these groups may help men develop relapse prevention strategies that can keep them sober long after leaving treatment.

Gender-specific addiction rehab is based on the belief that there are gender differences in how men and women respond to drug abuse. While some of these differences are rooted in cultural and social expectations, others are rooted in biological factors. These differences are reflected in the types of substances used, as well as how these substances interact with the body.

Men-only programs may also help reduce the risk of romance in recovery. However, this assumption is flawed as it ignores the fact that homosexual and bisexual males can be just as susceptible to a “rehab romance” as heterosexual men. Additionally, these programs are not as effective as mixed-sex programs for treating addiction in men.

Medication-assisted treatment

Many men who struggle with substance abuse and addiction may not be able to recover without help. This is especially true for those who are dealing with opioid or alcohol addiction. In these cases, medication-assisted treatment, also known as MAT, can be an effective solution.

Medication-assisted treatment works to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and help people re-learn how to function without the use of drugs or alcohol. It uses medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat addiction to opioids or alcohol. The medications used in MAT are safe and do not pose any significant risk for abuse when taken as directed.

The medications used in MAT are usually given in a tapering method to ease withdrawal symptoms and avoid causing severe side effects. This is done to reduce the likelihood of relapse and ensure that individuals are comfortable throughout the entire recovery process. In addition to medication, MAT also includes behavioral therapy and support groups.