If you have looked into treatment for addiction, you may have noticed that many treatment options are catered to different genders. This might leave you wondering, “What is gender-specific treatment?” Women’s addiction treatment is focused on the idea that addiction affects men and women in different ways. Women benefit from different treatment methods than men. Gender-specific treatment programs for addiction understand that there are differences for men and women in terms of dependence rates, substance choices, and relapse circumstances.
Why Do Men and Women Benefit From Different Treatment?
There are many reasons why men and women benefit from different treatment methods. For one, men and women typically start abusing drugs for different reasons. For men, substance use often begins with the idea that there will be some benefit. They might want to be able to work longer or enjoy their time out. For many women, substance abuse begins with the desire to escape painful emotions or because a partner is using them. While this is not always the case, it is important for treatment centers to acknowledge tendencies and ensure that they address a potential root cause of the problem.
Men and women also differ in the types of substances they tend to use. For instance, men may be more likely to turn to substances like alcohol, marijuana, and steroids. Women may be more likely to use prescription drugs recreationally.
Many people who wonder, “What is gender-specific treatment?” also wonder how the bodies of men and women are impacted differently. Women typically have lower body weights than men, and they carry more body fat in general. This means that the body retains alcohol and other substances differently than men.
Finally, it is important to address the different ways in which people seek treatment. Women with addiction issues may be less likely to seek treatment because they fear losing custody of their children to their ex or their parents. Additionally, women who have custody of their children when they use substances could be charged with crimes like child abuse or child endangerment. For this reason, all too many women keep their addictions private.
Gender-Specific Drug Detox Treatment
Gender-specific detox provides an environment conducive to addiction recovery. A men’s detox center in San Antonio, TX provides round the clock care to ensure that men are as comfortable as possible while overcoming drug withdrawal symptoms. Likewise, a women’s detox center in San Antonio, TX provides gender-specific women-centered detox treatment helping women overcome the unique challenges and drug withdrawal symptoms to successfully detox and build a foundation for lasting drug addiction recovery.
Treatment Goals and Expectations
Men and women may benefit from different gender-specific treatments based on the different goals and expectations each has. For example, both genders benefit from the specialized treatment that addresses physiological issues and problems related to emotions and relationships. Additionally, each party may feel more comfortable in gender-specific treatment areas. Women may bond with fellow women who have the same experiences, just as men may be able to identify more with other men. Additionally, gender-specific treatment can minimize sexual tension and distractions that could develop between men and women in the same treatment program.
If you are still asking, “What is gender-specific treatment, and what will it look like for me?”, you should consider looking into a women’s addiction treatment center. Individuals living with mood disorders, gender-specific treatment may include treatment for dual diagnoses, including:
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depression
- Cyclothymia
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Eating disorders
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
When you understand dual diagnosis conditions that often coincide with substance abuse and addiction disorders, you can find a gender-specific treatment program that is most suitable for you. Whether you are a man or a woman, you should consider treatment that provides the most stability.
What Is Gender-Specific Treatment?
Gender-specific treatment may be critical for your future. With the help of addiction treatment programs, you can recover. Help is available, and it can help men and women who are going through a difficult time and benefit from stability and a sense of camaraderie with others in a similar position.