When it comes to gender and addiction, there may be more of a link than many people realize. As you consider the best recovery treatment program for you, recognize that entering into a gender-specific program may be the right option for you for multiple reasons. At Crestview Recovery, we offer you the flexibility of a program like this. Why should it matter to you?
The Link Between Gender and Addiction Treatment
Addiction can happen to both men and women. In all situations, a person can suffer from severe or mild forms of addiction. No one gender suffers more than others, either. So, how do gender and addiction play a role in your recovery? It comes down to the differences between males and females. These differences lie in the sociological and biological differences. Here are a few examples of how this can matter to your recovery and treatment plan.
Men Are More Likely to Suffer Addiction
Research indicates men are more likely than women to suffer from addiction due to peer pressure surrounding them to use. Their desire to be a part of a group also plays a role in this. Women are more likely to move from one type of substance use to another form and can become addicted faster than men. Women are also more likely to use drugs or alcohol as a self-medication method for dealing with mental health complications.
Men Typically Have Worse Withdrawal Symptoms
Though men are more likely to become stable during drug and alcohol treatment faster, they are also more likely to experience intense withdrawal symptoms. Women are likely to have more side effects of drug addiction, though. This includes overdoses as well as long-term diseases like kidney and liver damage.
Relapse Risk Is Higher in Women
Women are more likely to experience intense cravings that lead to relapse after leaving treatment. Men may relapse as well, but they are less likely to do so. They tend to have longer periods of time when they remain clean.
Gender-Specific Treatment offers Advantages
When you consider these aspects of gender and addiction, it probably remains clear that both men and women still need professional help to work through their addiction. At the same time, the type of help they need may be different. When individuals are in gender-specific programs, they tend to open up more readily with those around them. You may be more at ease when you are surrounded by others you feel comfortable with and can relate to.
Everyone’s needs in an addiction treatment center are different. While much of the work you do will be in individual therapy programs, there are situations when you will be in group sessions or engaging in therapies with more than one person. Having a gender-specific program can help you to engage more fully in many cases.
The Key Is the Right Program
While gender and addiction are important, the most essential component of your recovery is having a team and a therapy program that is designed to meet your individual needs. At Crestview Recovery, we do this by providing you with a range of different options to choose from, including:
- Men’s drug rehab
- Women’s drug rehab
- Women’s alcohol rehab
- Men’s alcohol rehab
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Gender-specific rehab programs
Take the time to reach out to us. Learn more about the programs we offer.
Find the Treatment for You at Crestview Recovery
Whether or not gender and addiction matter to you, the right type of care for your situation should be a priority. Our team at Crestview Recovery can help you. With comprehensive treatment options and a wide range of solutions to provide to you, you can count on our team to help you start on the path to recovery. To learn more, call our recovery center at 866.262.0531 today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
