Have you ever attended addiction treatment and then felt out of place? Did you feel frustrated by group therapy sessions? Did you end up relapsing shortly after completing treatment or perhaps not even complete treatment at all? If you have not had success with addiction treatment in the past, you may want to consider the benefits of gender-specific treatment. A drug or alcohol rehab designed specifically for men or women can provide you with the comfort and targeted care you need to overcome addiction. Reach out to Bayview Recovery at 855.478.3650 to learn more about our gender-specific treatment for addiction.

5 Benefits of Gender-Specific Treatment

1. Men and women may feel more comfortable talking about their recovery experiences in a same-sex group

Most men and women generally feel more comfortable talking about their problems with others of the same sex. For example, a woman abused by her partner may not feel comfortable talking about this issue in front of other men. In a coed group therapy session, she may avoid talking about her problems at all, prohibiting her growth in recovery. While this does not apply to everyone in recovery, it has a strong enough impact to warrant separate drug rehabs for men and women.

Giving you the option of working through addiction surrounded by others of the same gender can add an additional layer of comfort so that you can get the most out of treatment.

2. There are fewer distractions in gender-specific treatment

In any mixed-gender setting, there is the potential for physical attraction. A person trying to overcome addiction doesn’t need any additional complications in recovery. If they become interested in someone else in their group, they may become more self-conscious and then less likely to open up about their experiences. By choosing gender-specific treatment, there is less chance of distraction from flirtation or the development of romantic relationships.

New relationships are often best saved for after one has become stronger in their recovery and has developed healthy communication and relationship skills.

3. Group therapy topics are more relevant in gender-specific treatment programs

Therapists can devote more time to the topics most relevant to each gender in gender-specific therapy sessions. There is no need to divide the time between the genders. Therefore, men and women both get the most out of the session. Women may wish to discuss abuse issues or trauma, while men may want help for anger management and frustration with societal expectations for men. The counselor has the time to hone in on the most pressing concerns for each gender. As we consider the benefits of gender-specific treatment, this is a big one.

4. Relapse prevention can be more targeted to the needs of men or women in gender-specific treatment for addiction

To help maintain sobriety, treatment centers need to help clients devise relapse prevention plans. Gender-specific treatments can help men and women address the most common triggers for their gender. For women, relationship problems are a common trigger for relapse. Men tend to have a high risk for relapse if they have co-occurring disorders because they are less likely to seek treatment than women.

Relapse prevention plans for men and women will consider different triggers so that women can learn how to cultivate healthy relationships and possibly leave a bad relationship. Men may commit to caring for their mental health to keep them on track for recovery.

5. Gender-specific treatment can be more effective for recovery

For some people, gender-specific treatment is essential for recovery success. Anyone struggling with trauma or abuse from the opposite sex will find much greater comfort in a gender-specific treatment program. This is also true of anyone who feels self-conscious or nervous around the opposite sex. Having the option of gender-specific treatment may even encourage some people to get help who would otherwise avoid it.

Bayview Recovery: Offering Gender-Specific Treatment for Addiction

The benefits of gender-specific treatment couldn’t be more clear. Bayview Recovery is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to help you stay on track for recovery. We offer several levels of outpatient care, including gender-specific treatment programs for men and women, so you are sure to find the treatment most suitable for you. Call us today at 855.478.3650 with any questions or to enroll in our men’s or women’s drug rehab.