Even though everyone is prone or susceptible to developing an addiction, substance abuse problems impact men and women differently, making gender and addiction an important aspect of treatment. Many treatment centers provide unisex treatment programs because the needs of men and women during substance abuse treatment can differ significantly. A men’s addiction treatment center Crystal Lake Il offers provides specialized programs that address the unique needs of men during recovery.
Addiction is a chronic mental health condition that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. What makes addiction so difficult to identify is that many people struggling with substance abuse can conceal it. Doing well in school or maintaining a good career can make it easier to hide signs of your addiction issues.
How Gender and Addiction Work
Addiction and gender treatment are strongly connected. Men and women demonstrate different treatment needs during recovery and abuse drugs and alcohol for different reasons. They are more likely to use drugs and alcohol because they are happy or celebrating, while women are more likely to use substances to cope with negative emotions. Men also face less social stigma when using drugs or alcohol. It is more socially acceptable for men to use recreational drugs or drink in excess. This can often make it easier for men to conceal a substance abuse issue.
Men are less likely to reach out for help because they don’t want to appear as though they have lost control over aspects of their lives. During treatment, men may be less likely to express certain thoughts or feelings during therapy. Addiction and gender differences mean that unisex programs can be especially beneficial. While not all individuals who come to Northern Illinois Recovery Center will need either a men’s rehab program or a women’s rehab program, we make it a point to offer gender-specific treatment for those who would benefit. We do this because we understand that each individual will have a unique path to recovery. Having more resources and options available means a higher completion and success rate. Our team is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their recovery goals.
In our gender-specific treatment programs, both the men’s and women’s programs will be able to take part in a variety of therapies, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Individual therapy
- Trauma therapy
How Is Addiction Treated?
Addiction is a chronic condition that causes changes to your brain, body, and emotions. During addiction, your brain chemistry changes. When your brain’s pleasure and reward center starts to reward drug use and punish sobriety and abstinence, you experience a major neurotransmitter imbalance. Not only can this imbalance cause cravings and withdrawals symptoms, but it can also cause mood changes and worsen underlying mental health disorders.
In serious cases, addiction can cause mental health disorders. Substance abuse also takes a toll on your physical health. Since your liver is responsible for filtering impurities, such as alcohol and drugs, long-term drug and alcohol use can lead to liver disease and damage.
Substance abuse treatment provides you with access to medical and mental health professionals. They can help stabilize your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Treatment programs can offer:
- Evidence-based treatments
- Holistic treatments
- Drug and alcohol detox
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Telehealth IOP
- Outpatient treatment
- Sober living
- Aftercare
We also offer programs designed to address specific challenges individuals with a substance use disorder may face. For example, some who have been struggling with addiction for a long time and have already been through various forms of treatment may benefit from medication-assisted treatment or MAT. Our team of professionals strictly administers medications that help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms for alcohol addiction and opioid use disorder in this program. This allows individuals to focus less on dealing with the physical effects of addiction and make progress in therapy towards addressing the psychological issues arising from addiction.
Don’t Hesitate, Reach out to Northern Illinois Recovery Center Today
Gender and addiction both play important roles in substance abuse treatment and recovery. When you struggle with addiction, finding help is the first step towards recovery. Northern Illinois Recovery Center is a leading substance abuse treatment facility dedicated to helping you reach your goals and overcoming addiction. Call us today at 855.786.1978 to learn more about your treatment options from our admissions specialists.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
© 2023 Northern Illinois Recovery.