What are the Benefits of Gender-Specific Addiction Treatment?

Men and women, while both humans, are incredibly different creatures with different habits, behaviors, needs, wants, features, and experiences. Some of those differences are obvious, while others are hidden or unseen. Of course, this is nothing new in society today. What most people don’t consider about gender is its impact on drug addiction and substance abuse – both in the general use and overall treatment. For example, men generally abuse drugs for different reasons than women. Men also have unique needs during the treatment process. That’s where a gender-specific treatment program can do a lot of good for the right person. The benefits of gender-specific addiction treatment considers the unique needs of each gender and surrounds them with like-minded individuals who have similar experiences, goals, and desires. 

How Does Gender Affect Addiction?

Gender has always played a vital role in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of addiction or substance use disorders. Throughout history, certain trends and patterns have given us a glimpse into some of the unique risks or dangers that men and women face individually. 

For example, women usually become addicted faster than men and do so while using smaller amounts of the same drug. Women also have more cravings for drugs, have more co-occurring mental or physical conditions, and are more likely to relapse than their male counterparts. 

On the other hand, men are more likely to abuse illegal drugs (especially alcohol and marijuana) and are more prone to peer pressure – whereas women generally use drugs in response to a traumatic event or experience. The male and female brains also respond to drugs differently. 

What is a Gender-Specific Treatment Program?

Gender-specific treatment has become a popular option for many patients trying to kick their addictions to the curb. A gender-specific treatment program is designed to take into account all the cultural, behavioral, hormonal, and biological differences between men and women today. 

From the types of drugs, they use to how they respond to those drugs, how they respond to treatment, why they started using drugs, and the symptoms they experience when recovering from addiction – a gender-specific program ensures a proper environment for each gender. 

Although not necessary in every case, gender-specific treatment programs can make the addiction recovery process much simpler for some patients. Anything that might increase a patient’s chance of overcoming their addiction and avoiding relapse must be considered. 

What are the Benefits of Gender-Specific Addiction Treatment?

Men and women start using drugs for different reasons, continue to use drugs for different reasons, have different reactions to drug use, respond differently to certain treatments, and have unique wants and needs in general. With that said, gender-specific treatment makes sense. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent benefits of gender-specific addiction treatment:

• Specialized, tailored, and personalized treatment programs for each gender
• Less distractions, especially if you’re attracted to the opposite gender
• Being around other people that have similar experiences and needs as you
• Some people are more active and present in group therapy with the same gender
• Focused and relatable discussions about gender-specific topics 
• Patients feel more comfortable and more open when discussing their addiction
• Build valuable, long-term friendships that aren’t built on a physical attraction
• Higher success rate among those that don’t respond well to a co-ed rehab

It doesn’t matter what type of rehab facility you go to or what type of treatment you accept; the end goal is always the same – overcome addiction, avoid relapse, and improve quality of life. When put in the right environment, anyone can recover from drug addiction or substance abuse.

How to Find a Gender-Specific Addiction Center

Now that you have a better understanding of the purpose and benefits of gender-specific addiction treatment, you can start to see why it’s a no-brainer for some people. When you’re serious about overcoming your addiction, you’ll do whatever it takes to fully recover. 

At The Last House, we’ve created the perfect environment for men to overcome their drug addiction or substance use disorder. We provide quality sober living in Los Angeles for those that are looking to make a smooth transition back into normal society following the addiction recovery process. 

We currently have two sober living homes in Los Angeles and are excited to welcome you or your loved one into our male-specific program. Contact us today to learn more about the program and how we can help you live a normal, happy, healthy, safe, and rewarding life!