Men and women approach treatment and recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) differently. Societal expectations and personal experiences all influence how SUD affects you. Each gender has a very different experience before, during, and after rehabilitation. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Women often use drugs differently, respond to drugs differently, and can have unique obstacles to effective treatment.”
Newport Beach Recovery Center uses co-ed and gender-specific treatments to help men and women heal from the damage caused by substance misuse.
What Is a Co-ed Treatment Facility?
Co-ed rehab facilities cater to men, women, and individuals who identify as nonbinary. All clients share the same facility and attend group therapy and activities together. In some cases, there may be multiple levels of care, with some treatment programs only focusing on one gender.
For example, at Newport Beach Recovery Center, our sober living community is tailored to individuals who identify as male. However, we offer co-ed outpatient treatment and other programs that provide services to men and women seeking treatment for SUD.
Contact our office or visit our outpatient page to learn more about our programs.
Do You Offer Couples Treatment for Alcohol and Drug Addiction?
Couples addiction treatment in the form of couples recovery retreats and marriage retreats can be powerful modalities through which to approach recovery and rebuilding a healthy relationship with your partner. Although Newport Beach Recovery Center does not offer couples retreats in the traditional sense, our outpatient behavioral couples therapy (BCT) and sober living arrangements have helped many couples struggling with addiction find their way to recovery.
Similar to co-ed treatment, couples therapy can help identify and address elements of a relationship that may be contributing to substance misuse. By working together to become and stay sober, many couples also find their bond only grows stronger and more stable, bringing happiness and satisfaction back into the relationship.
Our sober living services can also help couples who have undergone treatment together to find a supportive, substance-free living space while they continue co-ed outpatient treatment to aid their recovery journey.
How Does a Co-ed Treatment Facility Approach Gender-Specific Issues?
Gender-specific care ensures that every client receives the treatment they need to heal and develop essential recovery skills. Treatment centers that treat men and women often have certain activities where men and women split into different groups to address gender-specific topics. Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ can join whichever group they feel most comfortable participating in during treatment.
Trauma and individual counseling are also essential for gender-specific issues that some people might not want to discuss in a co-ed group. If you feel uncertain about what topics are appropriate for co-ed group therapy, you can talk with your therapist or the facility staff. We generally avoid the following common issues during co-ed group sessions, including:
- Domestic violence and abuse
- Sexual abuse and harassment
- Anger management issues related to partner violence
Sensitive topics like these can make some people feel uncomfortable when discussed with the opposite gender. We generally reserve them for trauma, gender-focused, or individual therapy sessions.
How Can Peers Benefit from Treatment in a Co-ed Facility?
The rehabilitation process relies on peer support to encourage the development of healthier routines, behaviors, and thought patterns that benefit individuals once they return to the real world. Sober peers help you stay focused, motivated, and accountable for your recovery. In addition, co-ed peer groups show you the recovery process from multiple points of view and allow you to practice setting social boundaries.
Everyone within the sober community benefits when men and women are encouraged to explore and share their experiences. Also, for many people in recovery, the connections they make with peers can last a lifetime and provide essential emotional support.
Do Men and Women Have Different Reactions to Treatment?
Men and women may have different reactions to treatment based on their socioeconomic status and how it affects their relationships. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “In general, women with SUDs have less education and employment experience than men with SUDs.” Some women rely on men to finance their treatment, causing additional stress. Women have limited options compared to men, meaning they often attend facilities with more male than female clients.
Newport Beach Recovery Center offers gender-focused therapy sessions to ensure women get the support they need when attending co-ed programs. Our personalized treatment takes into account cultural, religious, and gender preferences. We believe everyone should have access to high-quality, effective treatment programs that address their individual needs.
Recovery may look different for men and women. However, in many cases, they have more shared experiences. Group sessions and co-ed activities provide an excellent opportunity for peers to form a close-knit community.
What Are the Treatment Options for Individuals Who Identify as LGBTQIA+?
Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ face unique challenges during treatment and ongoing recovery from SUD. Co-ed treatment programs offer greater freedom for LBGTQIA+ clients to engage with whichever gender they identify with the strongest.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “When compared with the general population, gay and bisexual men, lesbian, and transgender individuals are more likely to:
- Use alcohol and drugs,
- Have higher rates of substance abuse,
- Not withhold from alcohol and drug use, and
- Continue heavy drinking into later life.”
Newport Beach Recovery Center welcomes diversity and takes steps to accommodate anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+. As previously mentioned, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ can choose to attend whichever groups make them feel most comfortable. We treat every client with respect and compassion. If you identify as LGBTQIA+, our care team can help you determine the best treatment program to meet your needs and preferences.
Men and women have unique experiences during the treatment and recovery process. Research has shown that both genders misuse substances differently and sometimes for unrelated reasons.
In addition, men and women generally do not prefer the same substances. Statistics also show that risk factors and side effects can differ between genders.
Why Choose Newport Beach Recovery Center?
Newport Beach Recovery Center offers gender-focused and co-ed group therapy. Men and women can benefit from hearing how the other gender experiences and copes with recovery. Co-ed groups can learn from each other and have a better outcome.
Don’t wait. Start your journey to a stronger bond, healthier relationship, and better life with Newport Beach Recovery Center today! To learn more about how we accommodate gender-focused care, call our office today at (949) 706-4016.