Addiction is a progressive and chronic condition. Although there isn’t a known cure, substance abuse programs for men help you learn how to manage your symptoms and maintain sobriety. Addiction is a complex disease that impacts your physical and emotional health and alters your brain chemistry, making substance abuse programs for men a central part of successful recovery. An outpatient men’s addiction treatment center allows you to continue working or going to school, which can make it easier to adjust to life following inpatient care.
In 2017 alone, more than 18 million Americans struggled with a substance abuse disorder or addiction. While addiction doesn’t discriminate, meaning that anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, can develop a substance abuse problem, men are more prone to experience severe addictions.
How Addiction Works
Addiction occurs when you compulsively abuse your substance of choice despite wanting to quit or encountering negative consequences as a result of your use. This means that experiences like losing your job or legal problems aren’t always enough to break the cycle of addiction. Drugs and alcohol are powerful neurotransmitter inhibitors that carry the risk of addiction because they create major imbalances in your brain.
When you use drugs, your brain releases more neurotransmitters than it should. Once the effects of intoxication end, you’re left with a shortage of neurotransmitters, which creates depleted moods and cravings. Once you begin abusing your substance of choice, your brain becomes dependent on it to release any neurotransmitters. Additionally, your brain’s pleasure and reward center associate your substance of choice, as well as people, places, and things that remind you of it, with pleasure.
Becoming exposed to triggers intensifies cravings, as does stopping your use. Many substances can also lead to physical dependency, which causes painful withdrawal symptoms when you immediately stop using it.
Substance Abuse Programs for Men
There are two main options when it comes to substance abuse programs for men: inpatient and outpatient treatment. Inpatient programs provides the highest level of care, making inpatient a great fit if you have:
- A severe addiction
- A lengthy addiction history
- Polysubstance abuse problems
- A co-occurring disorder
- Multiple attempts at treatment
Most inpatient substance abuse programs for men last four weeks, although some long-term programs can last for several months or longer. Both men’s drug rehab programs implement evidence-based and holistic approaches.
Evidence-based treatments used by substance abuse programs for men are therapies that are proven to work after extensive research, making them highly effective. Cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy, two evidence-based treatments, help you learn how to identify and change negative thinking patterns and emotions, improving your ability to cope with triggers.
Finding a Men’s Addiction Treatment Center Today
Addiction can damage your relationships, finances, and health. Struggling with a substance abuse problem can lead to overwhelming feelings like hopelessness and ambivalence. Substance abuse programs for men provide you with the support, understanding, and guidance you need to find recovery. Begin searching for a men’s addiction treatment program for help today.