According to the National Institutes of Health, men are more likely to abuse illicit drugs and alcohol than women. As such, substance abuse in men is often a complex condition that requires gender-specific treatment. For men suffering from alcohol or drug dependence, turning to a rehabilitation program is vital to achieving sobriety once more. Call Insight Recovery Center at 828.826.1376 to learn more about our men’s rehab in North Carolina.
Alcohol and Drug Dependence in Men
Compared to women who suffer from similar conditions, men are more likely to abuse substances because of peer pressure, and they usually begin using drugs and alcohol earlier in life.
Given that the problem is more likely to reoccur the earlier an individual begins using drugs or alcohol, it can be much more challenging for men to recover. In addition, men are more likely to experience intense alcohol withdrawal symptoms, putting them at a higher risk of developing delirium tremens.
Men are less likely to relapse once they have gone through treatment, but fewer enter programs or receive any type of help compared to women, a statistic that arises because of the stigma associated with asking for help, making men feel as though they are weak if they cannot handle their problems on their own.
Another challenge men face when dealing with substance abuse is that co-occurring mental health disorders are not as easily or quickly identified in men as they are in women.
Dealing with grief and expressing feelings can be harder for men, leading them to turn to substances to cope, and if these emotional causes of addiction are not dealt with, a relapse can easily and very likely happen.
Treating Substance Abuse in Men
Rehabilitation programs with gender-specific treatment plans exist to provide the necessary support and offer men the best chance at breaking free from their addiction. In addition, these programs can help address the specific challenges they face, including dealing with a dual diagnosis.
Individual therapy sessions can offer guidance that can help men understand what caused the addiction. At our center, we offer different types of therapies, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Community reinforcement and family training (CRAFT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Contingency management
- Motivational enhancement therapy
We also offer holistic therapy options, like yoga, to help men learn healthier coping mechanisms and to teach them how to naturally lower their stress levels. Family therapy is also essential to rebuild trust and learn to communicate with loved ones again.
A crucial part of substance use disorder treatment is group therapy. Men are less likely to reach out to others, so they tend to deal with their mental health and behavioral concerns by themselves. Isolation, however, can worsen the symptoms that may lead to drug dependence or alcohol abuse.
Group therapy sessions can help men understand that they are not alone. It makes it possible to speak with others who are struggling with substance abuse and who may be at a different stage of the recovery journey, offering perspective.
Start Your Recovery with Men’s Rehab in North Carolina at Insight Recovery Center
If you are a man struggling with a substance use disorder, getting help is just a phone call away. At Insight Recovery Center in Ashville, NC, we offer gender-specific treatment that can help you achieve sobriety once more.
With a team of experts ready to guide you and some of the best treatment options available, you can get the individualized care you deserve at our center. Allow yourself to ask for help, and contact Insight Recovery Center by calling 828.826.1376 or reaching out online.