Drug and alcohol addiction can be difficult for anyone. However men often face unique challenges when dealing with substance abuse. Fortunately, The Retreat of Atlanta has a men’s detox program in Georgia to help men overcome the toughest obstacles in their recovery journeys. With evidence-based therapies specifically tailored to issues men face, our gender-specific programs provide comprehensive support for those wanting to break free from addiction and start fresh.
From individual counseling sessions to group activities and more, our detox for men is dedicated to helping men reclaim their lives through proven techniques designed just for them. For those seeking professional assistance in conquering drug or alcohol dependence, the Retreat of Atlanta provides an invaluable resource on the path toward sobriety.
Men and Substance Abuse
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), men are more likely than women to use illicit drugs and alcohol. This puts men at a higher risk of experiencing an emergency department visit or overdose death from drug usage. Even for alcohol and other drug use, such as marijuana, men typically consume more than women do. In fact, of the 80,411 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2021, research data shows 56,757 were men.
Drug abuse variations among genders are especially accentuated by the presence of trauma in a person’s life. Adverse childhood experiences, including physical or sexual abuse, neglect, parental separation, or divorce, lead to an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) in both men and women. However, this impact is stronger for men than it is for women.
Additionally, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the odds of having an SUD in males more than females. Men with PTSD are almost twice as likely to develop an SUD as compared to women with PTSD. It has also been observed that men are less likely to look for help when it comes to mental health disorders such as depression.
Therefore, resulting in higher rates of suicide amongst males than compared to females. This further highlights the need for greater interventions that take into account both mental health and substance use disorders when dealing with cases where individuals have co-occurring disorders. Medication-assisted treatment has been proven to be an effective measure for helping people with SUD achieve successful outcomes.
However, access to these treatments must first be made more available. One way of effectively addressing the complex nature of substance misuse among men is through trauma-informed care interventions. And by also providing holistic treatment plans explicitly tailored toward each individual’s needs.
Factors That Influence Substance Abuse by Men
- Increased peer pressure to use drugs or drink alcohol to “man up”
- Less likely to talk through emotions and more likely to use substances to self-medicate
- Men are at a higher risk of suicide, which could indicate poorer mental health among men
- Men generally consume more drugs or alcohol during each occurrence
- Less willing to ask for help and support when faced with problems
- Drug and alcohol use for men usually begins at a younger age than for women
As a result of these factors, focused treatment for men is crucial to dealing with substance use disorders. Gender-specific treatment programs help men deal with unique issues surrounding substance abuse and mental health.
Tour Our Georgia Addiction Treatment Programs
Benefits of Our Men’s Detox Program in Georgia
Gender-specific detox for men helps men get a chance to open up in a way that they might not share in gender-mixed groups. Our men’s detox program provides a tranquil environment conducive to healing where men can be surrounded by their peers. Secondly, men feel supported by others who share similar struggles of being a man with a substance use disorder.
For example, from a young age, others tell men not to show weakness. When they can speak freely with other men in recovery—such as group therapy—men are more likely to succeed. In contrast, men are also less likely to display vulnerability and helplessness in the presence of women. Therefore, without truly opening up, men in recovery may continue to struggle with emotional or mental health issues.
Additional benefits of our gender-specific detox program for men in Georgia include:
- Specialized to address the addictive behaviors that men exhibit, like binge drinking
- Less distraction by any sexual tension or romantic feelings around women
- More likely to find common ground among peers in recovery
- Openly discuss gender-specific topics without feeling the need to defend their gender’s unique issues
- Increased positive outcomes in recovery when men feel connected to other members of their gender
- Professional detox reduces the risk of relapse, accidental overdose, and deadly withdrawal symptoms
Services Offered During Detox at Retreat of Atlanta
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Family Counseling
What to Expect During Our Men’s Detox Program in Georgia
At The Retreat of Atlanta, we are committed to offering holistic detox services. Our men’s detox program typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks. The acute phases of detox occur over about 1 week. However, some clients might need more time due to factors unique to their addiction. Generally, withdrawal symptoms begin within hours after someone stops drinking alcohol or using drugs. Fortunately, these symptoms peak within a few days and then decrease in intensity.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Intense cravings
- Irritability
- Fever
- Sweating and clammy skin
- Sleep issues
- Changes in appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
Severe withdrawal symptoms can occur in some men, including:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Severe mental confusion
- Respiratory issues
- Elevated blood pressure
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
During medically-assisted men’s detox, physical aspects are primarily addressed with close monitoring and the use of FDA-approved medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. However, mental health symptoms are also addressed and can linger for a few weeks or months. Entering a rehab facility after detox helps manage these symptoms and aids in the success of long-term recovery.
What Happens After Detox?
After attending our men’s detox program in Georgia, it’s important for clients to continue treating the addiction and addressing any co-occurring mental health disorders. Often, addictions are rooted in underlying issues, like trauma, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, or other mental health concerns. Fortunately, for those wondering what happens after detox, there are several options for continued drug and alcohol rehab after our treatment program.
Rehab options for men include:
- Residential treatment centers
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Sober living homes
- Outpatient therapy
- Peer support
Most men progress through each level of care until they feel comfortable maintaining their sobriety with minimal professional support. Thus, treatment programs can be tailored to suit each individual’s needs, including telehealth options and varying levels of supervision.
Overcome Addiction at Our Men’s Detox Program in Georgia
The Retreat of Atlanta offers detox for men struggling with drug and alcohol use disorders. Through our men’s detox program, clients gain the tools necessary for lasting recovery. While individuals stay at the detox facility, they will experience a safe and comfortable detox process under the care of our medical and nursing staff. To add, our facility is staffed 24/7 by professionals trained and experienced in detox and addiction treatment.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, contact us to begin your recovery journey today.
