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American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Men

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), men are more likely than women to misuse most types of illicit drugs and to misuse prescription drugs. Additionally, illicit drug use is responsible for more ER visits and overdose deaths in men than women.1 Studies have indicated that men and women use drugs differently, have different responses to drugs, and respond in unique ways to treatment.1 If you’re a man struggling with addiction, an all-male rehab may be the right place for you.

Drug and Alcohol Misuse Among Men

Drug misuse and alcohol addiction are major concerns for both men and women; however, there are some differences in how these gender groups use drugs or alcohol. For example:

  • Men have higher rates of alcohol consumption, overall. With the exception of girls aged 12-20, men drink more and binge drink more than women.1
  • Marijuana use is more common among men than women.1
  • Men who have marijuana use disorders are more likely than women to also abuse other drugs or have antisocial personality disorder.1
  • Men use greater amounts of heroin than women, and they are more likely to inject heroin.1
  • Regarding prescription opioid overdose, 9,978 men died from overdose in 2016 (compared to 7,109 women).1
  • Some estimates place men 2 to 3 times more likely than women to have drug misuse and dependence disorders.2

Do I Need Drug or Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

man sitting on couch speaking to therapistAddiction affects men, women, and young people all over the world. Many men have been socialized with traditional gender norms that make it difficult to be vulnerable, but there is absolutely no shame in struggling with a substance use disorder and admitting you need help.3 If you think you might have a substance misuse problem, ask yourself:4

  • Have I tried to stop using substances and not succeeded?
  • Have I been using drugs and/or alcohol for longer or in greater amounts that I intended?
  • Do I spend too much of my time attempting to obtain drugs, using drugs, or recovering from their effects?
  • Have I given up activities that are important to me to use drugs?
  • Have I neglected to keep up with my personal responsibilities because of drugs or alcohol?
  • Have I had conflicts in my relationships because of my substance use?
  • Do I crave drugs or alcohol when I can’t use them?
  • Do I use drugs before driving or in other physically hazardous scenarios?
  • Am I unable to stop using drugs even knowing that my mental and/or physical health has suffered as result?
  • Do I need to keep increasing my dose in order to feel the effects?
  • Do I have withdrawal symptoms when I try to quit?

If you answered yes to more than 2 of the questions above, you may already be experiencing the adverse effects of a substance use disorder—a condition that often requires treatment that understands the social pressures put on men and the unique needs of the male population is available.4

Benefits of a Men’s Only Addiction Rehab

Men are often brought up to be strong and remain unemotional. They are often “expected to be independent, self-sufficient, stoic, and invulnerable.”3 It may be embarrassing or challenging for men to fully express, understand, and handle their feelings.3,5 In fact, men may find it more challenging to initiate the process of seeking treatment.3

Once in a drug and alcohol treatment center, men may find it difficult to analyze their problems.3 Staff at male-only rehab programs will have experience working with recovering men and understand the unique challenges of treatment and recovery that they face. Staff will likely help their male patients to come to view treatment as a sign of strength rather than a sign of weakness or a personal failure.3

Even simple things, like walking during counseling sessions may help men to burn off extra energy and avoid having to make eye contact with their counselors while discussing difficult, emotional topics.3 Simply being around other men in treatment may help male patients see that they are not alone, and that the disease of addiction affects others.

Addiction Treatment Settings for Men

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation is a long-term process. Most treatment programs will include various interventions and methods of aftercare. These can include:

  • Medical detoxification.
  • Inpatient/residential treatment.
  • Outpatient treatment.
  • Behavioral therapy, like individual or group counseling.
  • Mutual support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous.

A comprehensive addiction treatment plan offers a variety of benefits to those seeking a drug- and alcohol-free life. Patients can gain support from trained staff, assistance with co-occurring mental health issues, and the tools needed to prevent relapse. Next we’ll look at certain treatment settings in greater detail.

Drug and Alcohol Detox for Men

You’ll begin your treatment with an evaluation in which you’ll be asked about your substance use, medical history, mental health, and any other relevant issues. Your evaluation will be used to create a plan for care that is tailored to your specific needs.

Treatment often starts with medical detox where the substance is cleansed from the system, and particularly important for alcohol and sedatives, due to the risk of life-threatening withdrawal seizures and other complications. Opioid-dependent individuals are also often good candidates for medical detox because withdrawal can be particularly painful and because there are several medications that can reduce the discomfort and cravings associated with opioid withdrawal.6

Men’s Inpatient Addiction Treatment Centers

During inpatient/residential treatment, you’ll receive the individualized care you need to begin a meaningful life without substance use. Inpatient care may be preferred or recommended over outpatient care for certain patients. For instance, men who have experienced prior severe or complicated withdrawal, prior seizures, or prior relapse may benefit from an inpatient/residential rehab program. Additionally, men who lack a supportive home environment, require medical supervision or dual diagnosis care, or who desire to focus solely on recovery may benefit most from an inpatient care treatment setting. Addiction treatment plans will be personalized based on various factors, such as the level of addiction, mental and physical health, etc.

How Long Does Inpatient Rehab Last?

Most inpatient stays range from 28–30 days to 90 days or longer. Some programs run longer, sometimes between 6 months to a year. As you progress in a longer treatment program, you might spend several hours away from the facility each day or week to attend school or work, or you might be afforded a weekend at home with your family. Each program will have different rules for when and how patients can leave the treatment site.

Men’s Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment

Less intensive than inpatient care, outpatient treatment provides a level of drug and alcohol addiction treatment where patients are not required to reside at the facility. Outpatient care programs may serve as a step-down program for patients who have completed an inpatient recovery program. Outpatient care may also serve as a way for patients to gain the support they need while maintaining their work, home, and school responsibilities.

Outpatient care involves treatment sessions usually held a few hours each week. but may also be more intensive such as intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or partial hospitalization programs (PHP). Outpatient drug and alcohol rehab treatment may include individual/group/family therapy, educational groups, and management of medication used to assist and improve treatment outcomes.

Behavioral Therapy Options for Men

Once the withdrawal period has been successfully managed, you should be feeling better and ready to begin engaging in therapy, which is where you’ll focus most of your efforts in rehab. You will likely attend both individual and group therapy sessions during your rehabilitation.

Your therapist may utilize more than one type of therapy when working with you. Men often respond well to cognitive behavioral therapy, in which the therapist works with you to discover the harmful thoughts and behaviors that keep you locked in unhealthy patterns and work to develop better ways of thinking and operating in the world. CBT also helps you develop new ways of coping that don’t include drugs or alcohol.3,7

Motivational interviewing is also commonly used among men in treatment and involves your therapist helping you come to understand and build on your own motivation to quit drugs or alcohol and attain recovery.8

Treatment approaches vary, as do the treatment centers that administer them. Different programs will respectively tailor somewhat distinct personalized treatment plans, which will greatly shape your individual rehab experience.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers for Men Near Me

If you want to find the best inpatient residential rehab center for men near you, it’s important to carefully consider the various types of treatment programs available to ensure your needs are met. Some rehabs are mixed gender but may still be able to provide extra privacy and tailored therapy sessions based on individual needs.

Depending on your location, you may find there is not an appropriate treatment program in your area for men. However, if there are programs nearby, consider the pros and cons of being admitted to a local program versus traveling out of state. For some people, leaving home for treatment may remove them from triggers or negative influences that may be contributing to their problems. Our rehab directory can help you search through treatment providers throughout the United States all-men or men-only rehab centers. Some popular States include CaliforniaNew JerseyFlorida and Texas.

Are you ready to take the first step to recovery? It’s simple and easy – and you can do it. Just pick up the phone and speak to one of our counselors about your rehab treatment options. Call today.

Is My Privacy Protected at an All-Male Rehab Center?

Men may be particularly concerned about their privacy, worrying that their social standing may be affected as a result of seeking treatment.3 Fortunately, HIPAA laws protect your information, as rehab centers must comply with this standard.9 Staff at men-only rehabs must follow the same rules and regulations as any family doctor. No one on staff can share information about your case unless your consent is given or unless the situation necessitates the release of information, such as in a medical emergency where providers need certain information to treat you.9

Is Drug or Alcohol Addiction Curable?

Attending a men-only rehab is not intended to be a cure.10 Addiction is a chronic condition that often involves relapse and that requires a continued focus to manage. A good treatment plan will incorporate aftercare, which is the continued treatment that occurs after rehab ends.

You may be encouraged to attend 12-step groups or outpatient therapy once you complete your rehab stay. You might also transfer to a sober living facility where you can practice your newfound skills with a group of others who are living in recovery. Your treatment team in rehab should help you form an aftercare plan that works for you and takes into account your progress, your needs, and your personal obligations at home.

It is common for men to be reluctant to reach out, but it may help you to envision a life where every day is no longer controlled by the need to misuse drugs and/or alcohol.3 Reach out now at to begin again and uncover the possibilities a future in which you are no longer struggling with addiction.

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