The path from substance abuse to recovery is a challenging, complex, and deeply personal experience for every person. However, men’s substance abuse recovery journeys are filled with unique challenges. Men face certain difficulties that women are less likely to experience while overcoming their alcohol or substance use disorder.
Women’s and men’s mental health and addiction treatment programs exist to address the specific needs of each gender during early recovery. Understanding the distinct challenges each group faces is crucial when looking for a treatment program. Outpatient addiction programs for men are the best option for men trying to quit using alcohol and drugs.
Continue reading to learn more about the unique needs men face in substance abuse recovery and how men’s mental health and addiction treatment programs are tailored to meet those specific needs.
Societal and Cultural Pressures
Society pressures men to conform to a particular cultural expectation. People expect men to adhere to norms and roles regarding traditional masculinity. This includes the harmful idea that they should be able to handle their problems alone and should not require outside help. They should keep their struggles to themselves and quietly press forward.
Men also face intense stigma when it comes to mental health and substance abuse issues. A man who can’t “hold his liquor” or “keep it in check” is embarrassing. Some don’t realize that alcoholism and addiction have little to do with a lack of self-restraint or control; the source of addiction runs far deeper than that. However, surface-level societal stigma does not address that when it comes to men.
Eliminating the societal and cultural pressures men face when they need help is crucial. Providing more accessible treatment options like intensive outpatient programs means men can get help while still showing up for daily life. The more accessible treatment is, the more willing men may be to ask for the help they need.
Emotional and Mental Health Barriers
Co-occurring mental health disorders and emotional dysregulation are additional challenges in men’s substance abuse recovery. This refers to someone who experiences both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder at the same time. Research shows that people with SUD are more likely to experience a co-occurring mental health disorder.
According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, of the 32.9% of people who have either a mental health disorder or SUD, 8.4% experience co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders create unique difficulties when it comes to treatment as they require a specialized psychiatric approach to treat.
Emotional dysregulation and anger problems are other challenges for men. Thankfully, some treatment programs recognize this unique need and provide dedicated treatment approaches like anger management to help men work through their unaddressed emotions. Providing tailored services enables them to receive the dedicated and understanding support and care they deserve.
Work and Financial Responsibilities
Although more women are in the workforce today than ever before, many men are the primary providers for their homes. They take on the brunt of the financial responsibility and their paycheck keeps the rent or mortgage paid, covers the bills, and puts food on the table. The majority of men do not have the option to step away from their full-time jobs to find help for their alcohol or substance abuse problems.
Men realize this financial responsibility and the pressure they feel to control their drinking or using only compounds the problem. Added stress leads to increased use and creates an ongoing downward spiral. Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) offer flexible schedules so men can still attend treatment while managing their daily responsibilities. IOP provides the same high-quality care as an inpatient addiction treatment program but with fewer treatment hours per week, making it a more adaptable option.
Outpatient addiction programs for men mean they can receive quality addiction treatment without losing their jobs or neglecting their financial obligations to their families. Most programs offer morning or evening sessions so people can still go to work and show up for their families alongside receiving vital care and support during early recovery.
Family Dynamics and Relationships
Substance abuse places immense strain on family dynamics in varying ways. Men react differently to alcohol and substance abuse. Some are withdrawn and distant, some are overly involved and difficult, and some are short-tempered and angry. Fathers who abuse alcohol or drugs affect their families in many different ways no matter how their drinking or drug use affects their behavior.
Strained family dynamics and difficult relationships are another unique challenge for men in substance abuse recovery. Even after they quit using alcohol or drugs, the wreckage of their behavior is all around them in their home. They cannot expect their spouse and children to instantly accept and embrace their new way of life; a long reconstruction period lies ahead.
A strong alcohol and addiction treatment program knows how strained family relationships become. Rebuilding trust and repairing relationships takes a lot of work, time, and patience. Comprehensive programs often involve family therapy or other family programs to encourage and guide the reconstruction process. They provide a safe, neutral space where everyone has a chance to share their concerns and work through their struggles.
Peer Pressure and Social Environment
Oftentimes no one places more pressure on men than other men. They experienced frequent and intense peer pressure to conform to group behaviors, especially in social situations. No man wants to look like the weakest one in the group. Drinking is a common way that men spend time together, whether it’s while watching the game, at a backyard barbecue, or going out for the night. Substance use is oftentimes an integral part of male culture.
Many men find themselves in situations where heavy drinking or substance use is not only acceptable but encouraged or expected. A man who struggles with his substance use and cannot participate may feel different or alienated from the group, leading to difficulties with recovery. However, distancing himself from the group also means isolation and a loss of social support.
Building a strong network of people who encourage and support recovery is crucial for a man. He needs people around him who want him to stay sober and not make him feel less than for choosing his recovery. It may feel impossible to find in early recovery, but it does exist. A local addiction treatment program can connect men with others in their area who are walking the same path of sobriety.
Physical Health Concerns
Heavy alcohol and drug use take a serious toll on physical health. Men who abuse substances often have residual health concerns after they quit drinking or using drugs, such as cardiovascular problems, liver damage, respiratory issues, cancers, diabetes, and more. Some also experience withdrawal symptoms when they eliminate substances and these can create other short- or long-term physical health problems.
While eliminating alcohol and drugs is necessary to develop lasting solutions for residual health problems, it is only one part of the picture. Trying to quit using drugs or alcohol without considering the physical results is a detrimental and sometimes dangerous approach. Effective treatment programs must integrate physical healthcare into the recovery process. This produces better results for overall health and well-being in men’s substance abuse recovery.
Finding the Right Program For You
The right addiction treatment program for men considers all of their unique challenges when seeking recovery. This includes societal and cultural pressures, emotional and mental health barriers, work and financial responsibilities, family dynamics and relationships, peer pressure and social environments, physical health concerns, and more. A program that doesn’t understand or address these concerns will not be the right program for you.
When you are ready to ask for help with your alcohol or substance abuse, start by considering your situation. How much time can you devote to treatment? Do you have a job you can step away from? Does your family rely on your regular presence in the home? Are there other responsibilities you have to manage? Once you have a clear picture of your circumstances, you can decide what approach to addiction treatment best suits your needs.
New Origins’ Approach
New Origins is a substance abuse treatment program in Redlands, CA that provides a range of services for men looking to overcome their alcohol or substance use disorder. We offer intensive outpatient programs so men who have standing obligations and responsibilities can still receive the treatment they need.
As a treatment program for men, we understand the unique challenges in addiction recovery that men must deal with. Our tailored services provide the specialized and individualized care that helps men in Redlands, San Bernardino, and the surrounding areas find and achieve sobriety. We provide an evidence-based path that equips you with the life skills necessary for long-term success and lasting recovery.
If you are a man looking for addiction treatment in Redlands, CA, New Origins can help. We are here for any man who wants to end his addiction and change his life. Reach out to us by phone at (855) 984-1788 or submit an online contact form to learn more about our programs and start your path to recovery today!
