Addiction Treatment for Men
Addiction Treatment for Males
Mens addiction treatment traditionally has relied on a confrontational approach. In searching for a way to help more men achieve and maintain recovery while staying focused on the time honored 12 Step philosophy, we have found that a carefrontational program is more effective in male-specific residential treatment. Examining our societal values, and learning how to create a safe environment in which men can explore and address their issues has led to thinking about sustained recovery for men in a new way.
Traditionally, in drug rehab for males, the issues specific to gender were not addressed, yet these were the issues that often led to recidivism: inability to communicate, isolation, anger.
Men suffering from drug addiction have been affected by many societal causes. Gender-stereotyping behavior from adults sets the stage for the Boy Code, in which emotions need to be kept in check, violence is an acceptable response to emotional upset, self-esteem relies on power, and that all feminine qualities must be rejected (Pollack, 1999). Boys may put down as sissies if they cling and clamor for the closeness they need (Goldberg, 1976). Boys are traditionally taught to stuff emotions and are conditioned to not feel or express pain, grief, or hurt.
The feelings of love, joy, and excitement can also get numbed. Anger, though, often is permitted and encouraged, especially cultivated through team sports where the goal is to beat the opponent as severely as possible. Boys learn that men are expendable, a commodity readily traded for God and country (Keen, 1991). Few boys survive childhood without some form of physical or emotional trauma, often through the aggression of their peers. Boys may learn to trust no one, and that they should know how to take care o and fix everything.
With addiction treatment for men also emerges “gay friendly” drug rehabs which more effectively focus on the needs for the LGBT community within a men’s rehab. To locate a drug rehab or gay friendly treatment center, you can call 1-800-99-DETOX.
