All-Male Rehab Centers

Updated: Jan 30, 2023

Addiction is a highly personal disease, and treatment for each person should be specialized to suit individual needs to enhance long-term recovery. Programs may cater specifically to certain ages, sexual orientation, or gender, among other things. Treatment programs that are designed to accommodate men only will have different features and focus on issues and concerns that apply mainly to males.

This article will explain why treatment is sometimes gender-specific, the benefits of this type of treatment, and how to get help if you or a loved one are struggling with addiction.

Men and Addiction Treatment

About 16.5% of adults in the United States suffered from addiction in 2021, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), and NIDA reports that there are over 14,500 different drug abuse treatment facilities offering a range of programs and options to choose from.

Men tend to have higher rates of illicit drug use, abuse, and dependence on drugs than women, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports, and men and women experience addiction differently. Aside from the different effects that drugs and alcohol have on men, men and women tend to use substances differently, too. For instance, men generally have more opportunities to use drugs than women do, and men often wait longer to seek treatment for issues surrounding problematic drug use, the journal Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology publishes.

In general, men are also typically expected to act a certain way — and certainly there is societal pressure to not show emotion (often called a “weakness”) or ask for help. They are often not particularly encouraged to share feelings and experiences in mixed-gender situations. Additionally, what works for a woman during an addiction treatment program may not work as well for a man and vice versa, meaning that oftentimes gender-specific treatment programs are ideal.

A male-only treatment program can alleviate gender pressures and allow men to interact with other men who can relate to what they are going through, giving them a forum that is free of judgment and biases related to their gender. Many treatment facilities offer programs that are gender-specific and cater to either women only or men only. Programs may include male-only residential treatment options, outpatient services, and support groups.

Types of Drug Rehab for Men

Generally speaking, the first step in a drug addiction treatment program is an evaluation and detailed assessment performed by highly trained professionals who can work directly with families and individuals to design a treatment plan for recovery. Treatment programs may begin with a detox program to help the body process out drugs and alcohol before therapy begins.

Different drug treatment facilities may offer different types of programs and amenities. Many facilities provide the following types of treatment options:

Men’s residential treatment programs: In residential or men’s inpatient treatment, addiction treatment is provided around the clock as individuals remain on site for the duration of the program. These programs are highly structured and provide a range of treatment forms and amenities as well as 24/7 care and supervision. Male-only residential programs may make it easier for some men to focus on recovery without distractions.
Intensive outpatient programs: These programs are run similarly to residential programs during the day with the main difference being that the individual will return home each night to sleep.
Outpatient programs: Individuals who require more flexibility in a treatment plan due to work, family, or school obligations may benefit from an outpatient program where sessions and meetings can be scheduled around these other commitments. This treatment type is generally reserved for those with strong support systems at home.
Group therapy and counseling: Therapy and counseling sessions can be tailored to a male-only crowd, thus highlighting specific issues and concerns that may arise for men during addiction treatment and recovery. Men may require different methods for uncovering potentially harmful thoughts and behaviors, and male-only groups may help with this.
Educational programs and life skills training sessions: Men can benefit from topics and skills designed specifically for their gender, as men and women often differ in how they approach both treatment and recovery.
Peer support and 12-Step programs: Male-only support groups help men to form a healthy support network of other individuals with similar life goals and aspirations. They also provide an outlet that is free of judgment.
Sober living homes and transitional substance misuse programs for men: These programs and living environments offer a kind of a transitional option between a structured treatment program and returning home. Male-only sober living homes can help men to create a support system in a less pressured environment, which can then allow them to ensure that the habits learned in treatment become more ingrained before returning back to their day-to-day lives.

Benefits of a Male-Only Addiction Treatment

A male-only treatment program can dispel some of the gender biases assumed by society by helping men to heal and recover without so much pressure to keep issues hidden. Men may be more likely to open up with their own personal stories in group sessions that are gender-specific. Other men can also provide support and empathy in a way that women may not be able to, as they may be unable to relate to some of the things that plague men specifically.

Substance misuse and violence often go hand in hand. In this vein, anger management techniques and tools can be specifically helpful for men prone to aggression and violent outbursts. Sessions that cater specifically to men can help individuals to recognize potential triggers and how to better manage them in a manner that is relatable.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports on studies that indicate men typically have higher rates of relapse than women do and may do so in different circumstances. Male-only treatment programs can focus on specific factors that apply directly to men and how to avoid them in order to minimize relapse.

Getting Help for Addiction

Every treatment plan is different, even within a program that is female- or male-only, and continuous evaluations and assessments are generally done throughout treatment to ensure that there is forward progression. Male-only treatment options can provide an environment that is conducive to healing and free from the distractions. As a result, men in a male-only treatment program may be better able to focus on their own personal recovery than they could in a mixed-gender program.

If you are concerned about your substance use and are ready to get help, there are effective treatment options that can get you on the road to recovery. At our inpatient rehab near Dallas, TX, we use addiction-focused healthcare to treat drug and alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Call our admissions navigators at to learn more about our different levels of care. They can also your questions about ways to pay for rehab — including using your insurance for addiction treatment.

You aren't alone. You deserve to get help.

Greenhouse is located in Grand Prairie, Texas, which is easily accessible from Dallas and Fort Worth.
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