Addiction Rehab for Men

Addiction affects both men and women, but research has shown that each gender benefits in different ways from certain types of addiction treatment.

Addiction rehab for men provides male-specific counselling and support as part of treatment, and this can help men to feel comfortable opening up and showing vulnerability as part of the healing process.

What are the signs of addiction in men?

There are many potential signs of addiction in men, as each person is different and may act in various ways.

A lot of men may attempt to hide their issues from their loved ones, so the addiction can go unnoticed for some time.

However, addiction can manifest in your physical, psychological and behavioural mannerisms and it is often clear to your close family and friends that something isn’t right. [1]

Even the affected person may be unaware that they have a problem, so knowing the signs to look out in men for can be crucial to getting help early.

Physical signs of addiction in men include:

Less interest in personal hygiene and grooming
Appearing dishevelled and unkempt
Often feeling tired and fatigued
Trouble sleeping, including insomnia and nightmares
Feeling under the weather and generally unwell

Psychological signs of addiction in men include:

Becoming irritable, angry and/or frustrated easily
Difficulty concentrating on tasks or conversations
Frequent mood swings
Making irrational decisions
Becoming more paranoid
Developing anxiety and/or depression
Trouble remembering things
Being defensive

Behavioural signs of addiction in men include:

Lying to friends and family
Failing to attend work or school
Spending time with a new group of friends
Withdrawing from friends and family
Stealing
Losing interest in hobbies and activities
Trying to stop the behavioural but being unable to
Continuing the behaviour despite negative consequences

If you have noticed some of the above signs of addiction in yourself, you are not alone.

There is nothing weak about seeking treatment – in fact, choosing to confront the addiction and recover shows immense strength.

Help is available for addiction, no matter what your personal circumstances are.

We work with some of the top addiction rehabs for men in the UK, and can refer you to a clinic of your choice.
Call Rehab 4 Alcoholism now on 0800 111 4108 for a listening ear and friendly advice.

Which substances and behaviours do men become addicted to?

Did you know that being a man could increase your risk of developing an addiction?

Men are more likely to develop an addiction to drugs and alcohol than women, although they are less likely to seek medical treatment. [2]

In particular, men commonly become addicted to opioids such as heroin at a much greater rate than women.

In the past, men were less likely to become addicted to prescription medication than women.

However, in recent years the number of men addicted to prescription medication has increased until they are almost at the same level as women.

Men are three times more likely than women to use cannabis on a daily basis, increasing their risk of addiction.

It’s not just substances that men are more likely to use – they are also more at risk of becoming addicted to online pornography and other addictive behaviours.

Common substances and behaviours that men become addicted to include:

Alcohol
Heroin
Cocaine
Prescription medication
Depressants
Cannabis
Methamphetamine
Ecstasy
Gambling
Pornography
Sex and love

It’s clear that there is a growing problem surrounding the addiction rates of men, and more must be done to prevent this and ensure that men receive the help and support that they need.

What are the effects of addiction on men?

Becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol can negatively impact your life in a number of ways.

Some of these may be temporary, such as loss of employment or damaging relationships.

Others, such as developing a health condition or being involved in an accident can follow you throughout the rest of your life.

Some of the effects of addiction on men include:

Higher risk of developing a physical health condition such as heart problems or a respiratory disorder
Higher risk of developing a mental health condition such as anxiety or schizophrenia
Lower sperm count resulting in decreased fertility
Decreased testosterone levels
Risk of legal issues
Risk of financial issues
Damaging or destroying important relationships
Higher chance of being involved in an accident
Potential loss of employment

Here at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we can offer free advice about rehab for men from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with alcohol.
Simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

What are the risk factors and causes of addiction in men?

Men are at a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder in their lifetime, and this is due to various reasons which are listed below.

1. Genetics

If you have a close family member who has suffered from an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you are at higher risk of experiencing your own addiction.

Science has found that genetics play a huge role in the development of addiction, and a family issue of substance use and dependency can foreshadow the likelihood of certain men becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol.

2. Stress

Although men and women are often equally responsible for providing financially these days, many men feel an immense amount of pressure to succeed in their careers and bring home money.

This can lead to increased stress and anxiety, particularly around work. A lot of men feel unable to open up about their feelings to friends or coworkers, and may instead resort to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope.

Hidden stress is one of the most common causes of addiction in men, and it is something that needs to change fundamentally in our society.

3. Societal pressures

Similar to the above point, it is often ingrained in men to never show weakness or vulnerability and to prove their strength as often as possible.

In some cases, proving their strength may involve using alcohol or drugs.

As they do not want to appear vulnerable, many men do not ask for help when they begin to develop an addiction which can make the problem worse over time.

4. Physical or mental health conditions

It is common for men to begin using prescription drugs and painkillers as a legitimate way to treat a physical or mental health condition.

However, these medications can be highly addictive and it is possible to become dependent on them even if you are receiving high-quality medical care and supervision.

If you have been diagnosed with a health condition, speak to your doctor to ensure that your risk of becoming addicted to your medication is as low as possible.

5. Past experiences

Experiencing a traumatic event can increase the chances of developing an addiction in men.

This is particularly true when it comes to childhood traumas such as sexual abuse or neglect, as some men begin using substances as a way to repress painful memories or alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and PTSD.

Trauma in adulthood can also contribute, with some men turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with the lasting effects of military combat or other traumatic experiences.

6. Grief and loss

As men are conditioned to avoid showing emotion, they may react to grief by using substances such as drugs or alcohol.

This may be in an attempt to avoid showing emotions, such as at a funeral, or as a way to escape the emotional pain that they are experiencing.

Losing a loved one is extremely difficult, and some men may resort to drugs or alcohol to continue functioning throughout daily life.

Here at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with alcohol.
Simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

Are men more prone to developing an addiction?

The short answer is yes – men are more prone than women to developing an addiction.

This is likely due to many of the risk factors listed above, although we still do not know for sure why men are more likely to become addicted to substances.

Some studies have also found differences in the way that men and women process substances, which can potentially increase the likelihood of addiction. [3]

Men are also more likely to use illegal drugs, which increases the risk that they will become addicted.

In the past, research has focused on the relationship between men and substances which has helped us to understand more about their issues with drugs and alcohol.

However, much is still unknown.

Other studies have found that men experience much stronger withdrawal symptoms when attempting to recover from addiction.

This can make it more difficult to stay sober long-term and can increase the chances of relapse.

It is also believed that men are more likely to develop co-occurring substance use disorders, yet another barrier to effective recovery.

What is addiction rehab for men?

Simply put, addiction rehab for men is a form of addiction rehab that is specifically targeted toward men.

Research has found that men and women deal with addiction differently, so it makes sense to treat them separately too.

Many of the therapy sessions at addiction rehab for men involve group work with other men.

This allows the session to focus on male-specific topics such as societal pressures and the traditional role of men in relationships.

The vast majority of staff at addiction rehab for men are male. This allows you to meet healthy male role models, something that many men struggling with addiction did not have during childhood or even adult life.

Most importantly, vulnerability is encouraged at addiction rehab. There is no judgement or shame – instead, you will be celebrated for speaking about your feelings openly and honestly.

You will not be required to maintain the stereotype of a masculine, tough man. Instead, this is an opportunity to be yourself and to find out who you really are.

Here at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with alcohol.
Simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

Why choose addiction rehab for men?

You may be wondering how addiction rehab for men could help you. After all, surely there aren’t many differences between men and women when it comes to addiction?

It may even seem like a strange idea to you.

However, sometimes it’s worth trying something a little more unusual and outside of your comfort zone when it comes to addiction recovery – often this is where the real work begins.

Read through the below questions and see whether you relate to any of them.

Are you struggling with male-specific issues such as societal pressures and avoiding your feelings?
Is there a lack of healthy male role models in your life?
Have you attempted traditional rehab before and ended up relapsing?
Do you feel that your true issues are not being uncovered or addressed?
Is your addiction impacting your relationships, perhaps leading to emotional or physical violence?
Would you feel more comfortable sharing your feelings with other men as opposed to women?

If you answered yes to some of the above questions, you will likely benefit from addiction rehab for men.

What are the benefits of addiction rehab for men?

Aside from recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction, there are many benefits to addiction rehab for men.

In fact, the skills and experiences that you forge during rehab will stay with you for life.

Some of the benefits of addiction rehab for men include:

You will build strong friendships with other men, providing comfort and community both during and after addiction rehab
You will be surrounded by healthy male role models, helping you to grow and improve at your own pace
You will learn how to be vulnerable in front of others, and to accept comfort and advice from other men
You may feel more comfortable when talking about personal experiences and thoughts as no women will be present
You will notice a focus on issues that primarily affect men, helping you to recognise and deal with them in your own life

What should I expect from addiction rehab for men?

There aren’t too many fundamental differences between addiction rehab for men and addiction rehab for women.

Both involve a full detox which lasts for 7-10 days and will likely result in withdrawal symptoms.

It’s important that you undergo this process at addiction rehab as it could be potentially dangerous.

Similarly, both types of addiction rehab involve at least three weeks of counselling.

This is where the differences between the two genders become apparent, as male-specific rehab will involve counselling specifically targeted at men and the issues they face.

Finally, you will create a relapse prevention plan to help you remain sober once you leave treatment.

Again, this will be slightly different at addiction rehab as the techniques and strategies will be targeted toward men.

How long does addiction rehab for men last?

It is recommended that men remain at addiction rehab for men for at least 30 days, and this may be longer if they have a severe or long-lasting addiction.

We understand that you may want to complete treatment as quickly as possible, in order to get back to your work or family responsibilities. However, you should be careful not to rush through rehab.

It’s important to remember that it likely took years for your addiction to reach the point that you require rehab, so it makes sense that it will take at least the same amount of time to recover.

Detox usually takes between 7-10 days, and this must be completed before you begin counselling which should last for a minimum of three weeks.

It is then recommended that you complete a relapse prevention plan before learning about the various types of aftercare available to you.

The time that you spent in rehab will usually be decided during the admissions process, taking your budget and needs into account.

If you have opted for private addiction rehab for men, you may have the option to extend your stay if necessary. It is not recommended to shorten your stay for any reason.

How much does addiction rehab for men cost?

You may believe that addiction rehab doesn’t come cheap, but you will likely be surprised at the range of treatment options and prices available.

Some rehab clinics charge upwards of £75,000 a week, but these clinics will likely be extremely luxurious and include various amenities.

If you can afford it then this may be a great choice, but the majority of people will need to find something more affordable.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to access addiction rehab for as little as £1,000 per week.

Shop around when choosing your rehab clinic and you may be able to find a good deal.

The average price that people pay for rehab in the UK is £15,000 for a 30-day programme, but of course, this figure may be lower or higher depending on the type of facility and programme you choose.

Keep in mind that you will need to continue paying your rent/mortgage and utility bills back home, and you may lose some income due to taking time off work.

This should all be accounted for when budgeting for addiction rehab.

How can I access addiction rehab for men?

These days, accessing addiction rehab for men couldn’t be more simple.

If you are concerned that you have a substance or behavioural addiction, the best thing to do is to speak to your doctor.

They will be able to assess you and provide an initial diagnosis before referring you to a rehab clinic or a drug and alcohol support team.

Most doctors will either use the AUDIT or the CAGE questionnaire to determine whether you may have an addiction.

AUDIT stands for Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and is a series of ten questions that can help to indicate the severity of your addiction.

These questions are listed below:

How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?
How many units of alcohol do you drink on a typical day when you are drinking?
How often have you had 6 or more units if female, or 8 or more if male, on a single occasion in the last year?
How often during the last year have you found that you were not able to stop drinking once you had started?
How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected from you because of your drinking?
How often during the last year have you needed an alcoholic drink in the morning to get yourself going after a heavy drinking session?
How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?
How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?
Have you or somebody else been injured as a result of your drinking?
Has a relative or friend, doctor or other health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested that you cut down?

The test is scored depending on your answers, with a higher score indicating a higher risk of addiction and a lower score indicating a lower risk of addiction.

CAGE stands for Cut, Annoy, Guilty and Eye and is a shorter questionnaire that can give your doctor a better understanding of your relationship with substances. [4]

The four questions of the CAGE questionnaire are listed below:

Have you ever felt as though you should cut down on your substance use?
Have you ever felt annoyed at others if they comment on your substance use?
Have you ever felt guilty about your substance use?
Have you ever used substances as soon as you opened your eyes in the morning?

As with the AUDIT, a higher score means a greater likelihood of dependence.

Here at Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we have the ability to refer you to a suitable rehab clinic in your local area. Simply call us on 0800 111 4108 and let us do the hard work for you.
You can also self-refer to a rehab clinic by simply picking up the phone and giving your chosen clinic a call.

Which challenges do men face when recovering from addiction?

Many men believe that seeking help is a sign of weakness and that admitting to having an addiction would be a personal failure.

As a result, men face a large number of challenges when it comes to accessing treatment and recovering from an addiction.

It is also common for men to believe that they are able to deal with the problem on their own and therefore do not need to seek professional treatment.

As a lot of men feel responsible for providing income and security to their families, taking time off work to attend addiction treatment can feel overwhelming.

Some men may even feel it’s impossible due to the potential loss of wages as well as the cost of rehab.

Depending on their culture, men may struggle to accept their addiction as they feel they must conform to male roles in society.

These include being independent, strong, capable and in control, and some men may feel as though seeking help for addiction is the opposite of these values.

The truth is, seeking help is one of the strongest things you can do. Accepting that you have an addiction and doing what it takes to recover will benefit you and your family in countless ways.

It is recommended that men seek counselling as part of their addiction treatment.

This can help you to recover from the psychological aspect of the addiction as well as challenge many of these ingrained beliefs about how men should act.

Don’t suffer in silence. Continuing to struggle with your addiction will only cause pain to you and your family – break the cycle and seek professional help today.

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3860472/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3025819/

[3] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-women/sex-gender-differences-in-substance-use

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5094111/