Substance addiction does not discriminate against age, race, or religion. Anyone can have a substance use disorder (SUD). The treatment for substance addiction can vary from one place or person to another, but all address the root cause of substance use.

However, when looking for a treatment center, one may notice that some are gender-specific, targeting either male or female clientele, not both. Gender-specific treatment centers exist because they provide unique benefits and focuses.

Why Do People Start to Use Substances?

There are a number of reasons why a person may start using alcohol or drugs. However, there are some general reasons, such as:

Accessibility: In some states, marijuana is legal, which means it is relatively accessible. In every state, alcohol is permitted based on age, and is easily obtainable in most households. There are legal age limits, but for many, a fake ID or a person of age willing to purchase it is all someone needs.
Prescriptions: Prescription opioids are a public health crisis, and their threat remains prevalent. Prescription painkillers like OxyContin help relieve pain but are unfortunately highly addictive. As a result, some people became dependent on pills and turned to illegal or questionable methods in order to obtain extra medications. In some cases, people even transition from opioids to heroin.
Social Acceptance: Perhaps an individual is friends with people who use alcohol or drugs in every social situation. Whether it is something to take the edge off, relax, feel better, improve mood, or relieve depression, substances are a part of this person's social structure, and they may engage to fit in.
Self-medicating: Alcohol and drugs are a quick solution to more significant issues. For example, if someone has depression or anxiety, substances will not help them cope long-term. Instead, they should find a substance addiction treatment center with comprehensive care. While in treatment, individuals will discuss the root cause(s) for their substance use and how they can replace substances with healthy habits.

Don't Both Women and Men Use Alcohol and Drugs?

All genders are equally susceptible to substance addiction, but their preferences for substances are generally different. Women are not as likely to use illicit drugs, including marijuana in some states. According to the National Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services, any age group has a higher alcohol and drug use rate than women, meaning women are not as likely to end up in the emergency room or experience an overdose.

Although men are more likely to engage in substance use than women, both are equally at risk of a SUD and overdose. Women may have an increased risk of relapse or the urge to use than men.

So, the short answer is yes; both women and men use substances, but they have different risks and responses to substances and treatment. Nevertheless, there are a few benefits to gender-specific therapy.

Why Do Women Start Using Substances?

There are several reasons why women use substances. Relationships play a vital role in everyone's lives. No matter a person's gender, relationships help form their identity and can determine their self-confidence, decisions, and everyday life.

Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and love, but not every relationship is healthy. Unfortunately, women have a long history of being abused, unappreciated, not taken seriously, and objectified. Today, women still face inequality and injustice, even in relationships. The imbalance in these relationships can include a lack of emotional support, which decreases self-esteem. Some effects of disconnections are:

Feeling unheard
Sexual abuse
Violence

Women who have experienced sexual abuse, violence, or prejudice can turn to substances to help them cope with feelings of depression or anxiety.

Family relationships are also meaningful. The family unit is a financial, spiritual, emotional, and child care source. Unfortunately, women whose families have a history of substance abuse are often exposed to emotional, physical, or sexual violence. In some cases, women use substances to help them cope with toxic individuals and various injustices they may face.

Why Do Men Start Using Substances?

Young boys can have an increased risk of being introduced to substances earlier in life than girls. They may also be pressured into risky behaviors by their friends or acquaintances. However, unlike girls, boys are not always encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings. Internalizing emotions can also be why more men use substances.

When they enter treatment, men may hesitate to talk about their feelings in mixed-gender groups out of fear of stigma. Despite the recent trend of encouraging boys and men to express their feelings, many do not know how. In addition, the idea of discussing physical, sexual, or emotional abuse may leave them closed off. Gender-specific treatment centers remove the discomfort men may feel of sharing events and feelings with women in the room.

Gender-specific treatment centers serve a purpose. While both men and women can have a substance use disorder, how they respond to treatment, their risk of relapse and retainment differs. What's also different is why they began to drink alcohol or use drugs. The emotional aspects of substance addiction can influence sharing their story in a mixed-gender setting. Whether the discussion is about emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, each person is comfortable discussing their experiences this way. Women may also endure various injustices in their relationships that carry into their therapy. On the other hand, men may not feel they can show anything other than strength or masculinity in a group. Monte Cristo Recovery understands the specific needs of those in treatment. We provide a safe and comfortable environment for men to detox while learning about and sharing their addiction journey. Call us for information about our services at (714) 824-9896.