Men and Substance Abuse and Detox: Tailored Addiction Treatment for Men

The value of having gender-specific substance abuse treatment for men and women has become increasingly apparent as researchers and practitioners learn more about the differences involved in addiction recovery for demographic groups. Men recovering from substance abuse disorder face unique challenges, which means that professionals in men-only detox and rehab programs can customize their care.

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Why Choose a Gender-Specific Addiction Treatment Program for Men?

Having specialized addiction treatment programs for men struggling with substance abuse only allows participants to address the physical, psychological, emotional and social issues special to them in an emotionally safe environment, free from pressures associated with gender role expectations.

They are also supported by peers who can relate to their backgrounds and experiences.

How Addiction Affects Men Differently than Women

Substance use disorder can take different forms among men and women.

Here are some of those characteristics:

• Men are more likely than women to abuse drugs and acquire drug dependency.
• Men have higher rates of alcohol abuse than women; but women can become addicted faster and at lower consumption rates due to their body metabolism.
• Men might drink as they socialize or simply hang out with other men whereas women tend to drink to reduce stress or negative emotions.
• Anxiety and mood disorders are more often comorbid disorders among women; drug abuse and antisocial personality disorder are more common among males.
• Men are much more likely than women to use marijuana daily.
• Men have a greater likelihood of abusing stimulants like cocaine or meth for recreation; women tend to use these drugs to increase energy or aid in weight loss.
• Men have higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and opioid overdose deaths than women.

Male-specific Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Challenges

Certain male-specific challenges contribute to the higher prevalence of addiction, especially alcohol addiction.

These challenges include:

• Binge drinking is more common in males than females because males have less self-perceived risk and greater social acceptance for binge drinking.
• Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and to have legal problems related to alcohol use.

Benefits of Same-gender Group Therapy and Housing

Same-gender addiction treatment offers several advantages:

• There’s often greater trust and safety for addressing sensitive gender-specific issues.
• Issues such as domestic violence, trauma, or societal role pressures are often discussed more comfortably within same-gender groups.
• Same-gender settings promote stronger support networks.

Common Myths that Prevent Men from Seeking Help

However, many men struggling with substance abuse can be reluctant to seek help.

Here are some common perceptions that can discourage men from reaching out:

• Being masculine means being self-reliant and emotionally stoic.
• Showing emotions and vulnerability indicates weakness.
• Only severe addictions need professional help, while others can be overcome through will power.
• Past unsuccessful attempts to stop using drugs or alcohol prove that rehab won’t work.

Types of Men’s Addiction Treatment Programs

Specialty men’s recovery programs include men’s detox, men’s inpatient rehab, and outpatient rehab for men struggling with substance abuse.

Detox for Men

Detox is often the first step in addiction recovery treatment. Detox can be performed as either inpatient or outpatient treatment. Medications are often used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and make detox more comfortable.

In a specialty detox program for men, common issues among men, such as feeling uncomfortable, not being in control of the process or uncertainty of how to express emotional concerns and needs, are addressed. Men-only detox treatment programs make it easier for males to confront such issues.

Detox usually starts with an evaluation to determine the type and amount of drug(s) that the person has recently used. The process of removing these toxins from the body then follows, often using medications.

Withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detox usually begin within 6-24 hours following the last consumption of alcohol. Symptoms typically peak within 24-72 hours and become less intense over the next week.

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For drugs, the onset of withdrawal depends on the kinds of drugs consumed. Most withdrawal symptoms start before a day passes. Symptoms with opioid withdrawal begin within 6-12 hours. The peak intensity phase for drug withdrawal symptoms is usually during the first 48 hours, but it can last longer.

Many detox programs provide counseling as well as relapse prevention education during detoxification. In men’s detox, this may include counseling on anger management or emotional self-regulation, topics that address common needs of men in rehab.

After detox is completed, counselors assist clients in creating aftercare plans. Opportunities for continued counseling, the acquiring of new coping skills, and the practice of relapse prevention strategies are discussed.

Medically Supervised vs. At-home Detox Risks

Not all detox takes place at a rehab facility. Some people detox at home. Home detox is usually safe in healthy individuals when there’s mild to moderate drug or alcohol use and support is available from family members or friends.

For severe or long-term drug or alcohol use and in people with medical problems, more supervision and medical monitoring is usually needed. An inpatient facility or an outpatient facility that provides regular checks-ins is recommended in such cases.

Withdrawal from severe alcohol addiction has a potential risk for delirium tremens, commonly called the DTs. DT consists of disorientation, confusion, and possible hallucinations or seizures, that result from imbalances in the brain chemistry.

Fever, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate may also occur. As such, home detox is not advisable for people with significant risk of this complication.

Opioid detox can often safely be accomplished via outpatient treatment with regular visits to a clinic or rehab center for observation and medication for withdrawal symptoms.

Common Detox Withdrawal Symptoms in Men

Withdrawal symptoms in men struggling with substance abuse can differ in intensity and type from those experienced by women. Men tend to develop DTs and experience seizures more often than women.

However, detox withdrawal symptoms for both sexes generally include:

• Cravings
• Restlessness, sleep problems
• Irritability
• Depression or anxiety
• Trouble concentrating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tremors or shaking

Inpatient Rehab for Men

Inpatient treatment can have the best detox for men who have severe addictions or when co-occurring medical or mental health conditions are involved.

Inpatient and residential rehab for men, where patients remain at a facility 24/7 during treatment, offers medical supervision and monitoring, as well as emotional support. Patients can focus on their recovery work away from daily responsibilities and distractions.

A review study comparing inpatient and outpatient success rates for patients with alcohol use disorder found that both types of programs produced large reductions in drinking.

However, those who attended inpatient care had a significantly greater drinking reduction, especially for severe alcohol disorders. In addition, individuals in inpatient programs were 3x more likely to complete their entire program than those in outpatient programs.

Outpatient Rehab for Men

Outpatient treatment provides flexible and effective addiction treatment. With no overnight stays, outpatient care is more affordable than inpatient treatment. Participants can better manage family and work obligations and can more easily access family support during treatment.

Outpatient treatment for men can consist of partial hospitalization services (PHPs) and intensive (IOP) or standard outpatient programs.

PHP programs are closest to inpatient treatment. Participants typically meet 5-7 days per week for 6-8 hours per day and last between 30 and 90 days.

IOP programs often meet 3-4 times a week for 3-4 hours a session and last 8-12 weeks. Standard outpatient programs are more effective for individuals with less severe addictions and typically last for 30 to 90 days. They hold sessions 1-2 days a week for 1-2 hours each day.

All outpatient programs typically offer counseling, relapse prevention education, and coping skills training. Many provide 12-step peer support meetings. Men’s rehabs usually offer specialty programs addressing men’s issues.

Specialized Men’s Rehab Options

Addiction rehabs may offer special group sessions specifically targeting men’s needs. These may include Christian rehab for men, luxury rehab, and trauma-informed care.

Christian and Faith-Based Men’s Rehab

For men seeking to incorporate faith into their addiction rehab, some specialty rehabs include spiritual components within their curriculum. Bible study, Bible-based counseling, and group prayer may be offered. Faith is used as a recovery tool.

Some popular Christian-based rehab options for men include:

• The Salvation Army offers a 180-day residential addiction program, incorporating spiritual discussions and group prayer.
• 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) utilize spiritual foundations.
• Celebrate Recovery is a biblically based addiction recovery program.

Trauma-Informed Care for Men Struggling with Substance Abuse

Trauma-informed care for men addresses PTSD from military service, childhood trauma, or other emotionally traumatizing circumstances.

Research reported in SAMHSA’s Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP #56) found that between 42% and 95% of men in addiction treatment had past trauma. PTSD was 2-3x more prevalent in men who were combat veterans or who had experienced incarceration.

Common traumas reported by men in addiction treatment include:

• Childhood abuse
• Military combat
• Physical assault
• Sudden or unexpected death of a loved one

High-End and Executive Rehab for Men

Men who are professionals or business executives may choose specialty executive rehab programs for their substance use disorders.

Such programs offer work centers and concierge care. Executive rehabs provide an opportunity to manage work responsibilities while in rehab. Other benefits include extensive privacy and professional discretion.

Men’s Rehab by Substance Type

Some addiction rehabs have specialized programs to address specific substance use.

Alcohol Rehab for Men

Men are more likely than women to have alcohol use disorder. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) noted that as of 2023, 12.1% of American males had alcohol use disorders, compared to 8.3% of females.

Signs of alcohol dependence in men include:

• Cravings
• Increased tolerance
• Drinking to avoid withdrawal symptom
• Drinking despite problems it causes in work, relationships
• Imbibing more than intended
• Consuming liquor in risky situations

Some unique challenges for men with AUD are:

• Drinking alcohol may increase aggression and decrease impulse control 
• Men with alcohol dependence may experience sexual dysfunction

Prescription medications, like naltrexone, can be used to treat AUD. Naltrexone is effective in reducing binge drinking, which is more prevalent in men.

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Drug Rehab for Men

Drug addiction treatment for men can be effective in treating addictions to illicit drugs and prescription medications.

Commonly abused drugs include the following:

• Opioids
• Benzodiazepines
• Marijuana
• Methamphetamines

Male social norms greatly influence drug use in males. Risk taking, prompted by a desire to be seen as fearless and masculine may encourage some males to drink or use drugs in excess.

Patients who have a dual diagnosis represent 36.5% of all substance misuse cases. Dual diagnosis has been correlated to social and behavioral problems including violent behavior, incarceration, and homelessness.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Addiction Treatment: What’s Best for Men?

Both inpatient and outpatient rehabs can provide men’s rehab treatment that addresses their unique needs. For patients with severe addictions, inpatient rehab tends to provide a full immersion experience via compressive programs and intensive approaches.

The choice between inpatient and outpatient rehab may often depend more on other factors, such as cost, convenience, and flexibility.

Social support has a positive effect on recovery outcomes. Social support increases program compliance and abstinence. A secluded inpatient treatment setting increases opportunities for men struggling with substance abuse to develop a sense of community and create social support networks.

Finding the Best Men’s Rehab Program

Finding the best rehab program for you depends on your specific needs and desires.

Things to consider when making a choice are:

• What is the severity of your addiction?
• Do you need medical detox?
• Do you want specialized therapies, and if so, what kind (experiential, holistic, trauma-focused)?
• Do you plan to use the same rehab for aftercare?
• Is the location of the rehab convenient for you and your family?
• Will your insurance cover some or all costs?
• If you need additional financing, is it available through the rehab facility or other sources?

What to Expect in Men’s Addiction Recovery

Once you’ve decided on a men’s rehab program, what can you expect? Men’s recovery journeys are unique.

But you can expect to gain skills to better navigate emotional issues such as dealing with guilt, pride, and the social pressures associated with masculine roles. You’ll likely address rebuilding relationships that were damaged by your substance use.

By participating in men’s support groups, you’ll likely create new sober networks and build a new sober identity. Your men’s recovery program may be the best decision you’ll ever make.

FAQs About Men’s Rehab and Detox

Get Help Today

Do you or a loved one need help with an addiction? Call now to find a detox center near you, verify your insurance, or discuss other funding options.

Call today to find a detox center that fits your needs!

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