Previous research has shown us that men and women experience thoughts and emotions differently, so it’s only natural that they’d undergo different processes of addiction and recovery as well. By understanding these main differences, we can provide more personalized treatment – and greater customization equals an enhanced opportunity for those in recovery to meet their sobriety goals. If you’re ready to embark on the courageous journey towards healing and restoration, become more informed about how personalized treatment could benefit you!
Addiction: Differences
In 2018, DrugFree.org shared some key insights on women’s’ experiences with addiction. Women are more likely than men to struggle with co-occurring disorders – which could involve having both a mental illness and substance dependence at the same time. Women also tend to be more stigmatized for substance use disorders (SUDs), and if prior circumstances influenced a person’s substance use (such as trauma, divorce, abuse, etc.), women may experience higher feelings of shame and guilt surrounding their substance use. Men, on the other hand, tend to abuse substances more frequently and in greater quantities than women; men also tend to be less likely to seek out help because of excessive amounts of shame.
Recovery: Differences
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasizes that women may fear seeking help due to the stigma or fear associated with finding support for children and home/work responsibilities while in treatment. Women can greatly benefit from social connections in recovery, with ample opportunities for exploring challenging emotions and developing tools to manage uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. A publication created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) denotes the challenge that men often face regarding privacy and the decision to seek help; in treatment, rapport is incredibly important alongside collaboration, so that men can feel confident in recovery.
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare offers an integrative and holistic approach to treat substance abuse and a wide variety of addictions, as well as underlying mental health and psychological issues. All of the addiction recovery programs offered by The Arbor are designed to heal the mind, body, and spirit leading to a lifetime of sobriety, health and wellness. If you’re ready to find healing and restoration in a peaceful, loving environment, please call us today at 844-560-7269.
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