Women and men with substance use disorder face a variety of obstacles as they begin their recovery journeys and learn how to live without substance use. Recovery can feel like an uphill battle for many, but gender-specific rehab and therapy have proven to be more personalized, supportive, and successful.
Gender-specific rehab and treatment provide gender-specific education, strong peer support, and a safe space for people to talk about their experiences without fear of judgment or peer pressure. People who feel more comfortable coming out in their treatment and sharing their experiences are more likely to progress in their recovery and avoid relapse.
Forming bonds
Newly sober individuals often open up about feelings of isolation that they may have been hiding from substance abuse or that they’re feeling now because they’ve cut themselves off from the group of friends and family. Loneliness is one of the key emotions that can lead a person struggling with substance use disorder to relapse. This is why having a group of people to bond with at a deeper level during the treatment is essential for long-term sobriety. Gender specific treatment groups can help build intimacy and connection, making it easier to form these critical bonds because of shared experiences, similar experiences, and a sense of community.
Safe space
Women who have experienced certain types of trauma, such as sexual or physical abuse, often find solace in the company of other women who are at a similar vulnerable point in their lives. Since sobriety can bring back painful memories or reveal issues with current relationships, many women find it very empowering to be surrounded by other women who can relate to them and strengthen them.
For men, feeling vulnerable can be a frightening experience. Men often feel burdened by machismo, or a culture of male pride and strength, which can lead to an unhealthy attempt to suppress sadness, depression or weakness, which is often associated with addiction. An all men group can provide an environment where men can open up and connect with other men to enhance their recovery.
Discussing guilt and shame
When people start treatment for SUD, they may start to feel guilty and ashamed as they recall and deal with some of the behaviors they engaged in while using. This could be about how they treated their loved ones, the situations they were in, not meeting expectations, and so on. These feelings can be destructive and can lead to feelings of wanting to use again, which is why it is important to talk about them openly with others. Gender-centered SUD therapy allows men and women to talk about their feelings and experiences openly with people they feel close to.
At the end of the day what all you need is professional help with matters of mind. Nadcell clinic provides best in class treatment for drug rehabilitation. It is one of the best Glasgow drug rehab centers.