Five Benefits of Gender-Specific Addiction Treatment
While typical addiction treatment programs can also be very effective and helpful, gender-specific treatment can provide benefits that some individuals will need to recover successfully from their addiction.
1. A Focus on Gender-Specific Issues
Research shows that most men are more likely to engage in heavy binge drinking or marijuana use. On the other hand, women are more likely to abuse prescription drugs, such as painkillers. Women’s rehab centers should be fully equipped and staffed for individuals that need opiate detox and opiate addiction recovery.
Research also shows that more men need longer and often inpatient treatment, compared to women – which can be an indication of the severity of their addiction. Women’s rehab centers may focus more on treating mild to moderate substance use disorders, and some may only offer outpatient treatment programs.
2. Fewer Distractions
Being around someone who’s the opposite sex in rehab can be distracting. In some cases, the situation can create sexual or emotional tension. Individuals that should be focusing on recovery may become attracted to each other or be too shy to open up around each other.
On top of the tension created in gender-neutral environments, some women may have an aversion to being around men – to them, the presence of men is not simply a distraction but also a trigger.
In both cases, programs will end up wasting time dealing with gender difficulties when they should be healing individuals.
3. Peer Support
Women face certain challenges that only other women will be able to understand. Men do this, too.
Opening up to peers and listening to them when they talk could be easier for individuals of the same gender. There would be no time wasted in explaining things the other gender can’t understand or doesn’t consider the same way. Shared experiences will encourage all individuals in rehab to participate in talk therapy sessions.
4. More Effective Treatment
Participation is essential when it comes to rehab. If an individual doesn’t feel comfortable and safe in a space with the opposite gender, they will be less likely to engage. They won’t benefit from group therapy sessions and may feel like they’re being left out.
A men’s rehab program or women’s rehab program is typically more effective than the alternative, as they give individuals the courage to move forward and participate in addiction treatment.
5. Special Considerations
Women, especially, may need special considerations when they get admitted into a rehab center.
For example, they may be hypersexual or engage in risky sexual behavior otherwise due to a co-occurring disorder or as an effect of their addiction. Individuals like this would benefit from going to a women’s rehab center, as there’s no risk of them getting pregnant or being exposed to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Another example would be already pregnant individuals who are seeking addiction recovery. Many women’s rehab centers will have the equipment and staff to support expectant mothers.
What Individuals Should Look for in a Women’s Rehab Center Program
You should always choose to get admitted at addiction treatment facilities with dedicated gender-specific programs, such as Georgia Addiction Treatment Center. But how do you know if a women’s rehab center program is comprehensive and a perfect fit for you?
If you have issues that are making it difficult for you to get addiction treatment – such as looking for someone to babysit while you’re at the program or dealing with being pregnant – prioritize programs with offerings that support your needs. If you have an aversion to the presence of men and not just social interactions with them, you may also need to look for rehab centers only staffed by women.
Make sure that the program you choose contains multiple forms of care and therapy. A more holistic approach, where treatment for the whole person is the goal, would also be the best for women. A supportive and empathic approach when it comes to talk therapy may also be ideal. However, above all other factors, you need to find the best rehab program that fits your needs.
What makes a women’s rehab center program special?