Male-specific treatment is a form of counseling specializing in treating male addiction, emphasizing men. This form of treatment aims to treat the addiction while also addressing its effects on relationships and other life domains. Male-specific treatment can be used for several different reasons, including:
- To help prevent others from becoming addicted.
- To help break the cycle of addiction in a family.
- To treat someone who has already begun their addiction recovery.
- To help those who have committed crimes because of their addiction to get back on the right track by repairing their relationship with the community they hurt.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, men are more likely than women to develop and die from alcohol-related causes. Men account for over 75% of cirrhosis deaths, 80% of liver cancer, and 70% of alcoholic cardiomyopathy. In general, men are more likely than women to drink at a level that could lead to addiction. Other reasons for the high rate of alcohol and drug use among men include:
- Men have higher rates of drug use than women (1 in 5 compared to 1 in 10).
- Men are more likely to use multiple drugs.
- Men are less likely to seek help for their addiction.
- Men who do seek help for addiction are less likely than women to get it since only 25% of substance abuse treatment facilities offer specialized services for men.
Social Aspects Of Male Specific Treatment
Men are less likely to seek help for addiction, and the ones that do are less likely to be successful. This can be attributed to the social standards that men face when getting addiction treatment.
- They are seen as “weak” or “unmanly” by other men.
- They are seen as “losing their masculinity.”
- They are less likely to be anonymous since men might be expected to come in with friends.
However, specialized addiction treatment for men is rising in popularity, and several programs have become available. In general, these programs seek to address the complicated social pressures on men and provide a safe, comfortable place to get help without the fear of ridicule. Masculinity can be an isolating concept, and men’s groups can help to break down social barriers and bring men together to share their stories.
These groups need to be located in public areas so that men can come as they please. For example, in some regions, male-specific addiction treatment facilities have started to offer men’s support groups in the evenings so that men can come to get help and return home before the end of the work day. Do not hesitate to seek treatment if afflicted by drug addiction.
Another way that addiction affects men is through the influence of their families. Men whose parents have substance abuse and addiction issues are more likely to use drugs, drink, and become addicted. This is especially true if they grow up in a household that focuses more on using than recovery. Family involvement is a critical part of the recovery process, and men need support from their families. Family support can help men see recovery as something possible for them and worth doing.
Families must provide encouragement and acceptance of male-specific treatment. There are several effective programs for the treatment of male addiction that are available for men to join. These programs can help men learn better coping mechanisms, develop new skills, and guide them back to recovery. Men should be encouraged to seek help for their addiction. This is especially important for men who have family issues surrounding addiction. If a man can’t get the support he needs from his family, it can be hard to recover, especially if they are close to their addicted friends.
If a family member is addicted, they must get treatment and follow all the recovery rules. However, if someone addicted gets treatment and chooses not to follow the rules, he can cause harm to others and himself. For this reason, a support system is needed to help them stay healthy and safe. Do not hesitate to seek treatment if afflicted by drug addiction. Call us at 844-844-3463.