Entering rehab after an extended period of substance use and abuse can be pretty intimidating. Most people begin treatment with several problems caused by the cycle of addiction and anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, or other co-occurring mental health conditions.
Clients like this benefit most from a rehab center that provides a program addressing the specific needs of the individual. Men and women seek treatment for different reasons, and there are differences between their lived experiences and addiction. However, treatment for men and women share the same goal: recovery and a life of sobriety and fulfillment.
At Bayview Recovery, we are committed to helping each man or woman in our treatment program find the care and support they need to recover. We take the time to get to know each client so that we can understand what they need to begin the journey to sobriety. Suppose you’re a man looking for support and accountability throughout your recovery. In that case, we welcome you to contact Bayview Recovery’s addiction treatment center in Washington and ask about our program at our men’s rehab center. Let us help you break the cycle of addiction and find the path to recovery.
How Do Men Experience Addiction and Recovery Differently Than Women?
Women and men are both susceptible to substance use disorder, however, there are specific trends in addiction and treatment that affect them both differently. That is why gender-based addiction treatment is important. It helps address these unique differences and helps individuals heal appropriately and target what matters most to them.
Men Suffer From More Severe Consequences Due to Drug Use
The reason why men tend to suffer more severe consequences from substance abuse than women is due to a combination of biological and social factors.
One reason is that men tend to have higher levels of certain enzymes that metabolize drugs faster, leading to increased drug tolerance and a desire for higher doses. Additionally, men tend to use more potent drugs and engage in riskier behavior while under the influence, which can lead to more severe physical and psychological consequences.
Social factors also play a role, as men may be more likely to engage in substance abuse as a means of coping with stress, societal pressures, or trauma. And societal expectations of masculinity may discourage men from seeking help or support when facing addiction or related issues, leading to prolonged suffering and worse outcomes.
Men are Less Receptive to Addiction Treatment
One reason is societal expectations surrounding masculinity, which may lead men to feel that admitting to having an addiction is a sign of weakness or failure. This can lead to feelings of shame and reluctance to seek help.
In addition, men may feel that addiction treatment is not compatible with their work schedules or other daily obligations, leading to concerns about how treatment will impact their livelihoods. This may be especially true for men who work in jobs that are high-pressure, require long hours, or do not offer much sick or vacation time.
Furthermore, research has suggested that men may be more likely to view addiction treatment as stigmatizing, and may be less likely to seek help because of concerns about how others will view them. This may be particularly true for men who belong to certain cultural or ethnic groups, where addiction may be more heavily stigmatized.
Overall, there is a range of social and cultural barriers that may make men less receptive to addiction treatment than women. Addressing these barriers and creating more accessible and stigma-free addiction treatment resources can help men overcome these obstacles and get the help they need.
Benefits of a Men’s Drug Rehab Center
Bayview Recovery’s men’s treatment center in Washington offers addiction treatment to residents of the greater Northwest. Some of the most common benefits of undergoing a program at a drug treatment center for men include the following: