Men’s Addiction Treatment For Chemical Dependency

By Allan Lyme
Challenging belief systems: what is it like to be male?

Mens treatment for alcohol and chemical dependency traditionally has relied on a confrontational approach.

In searching for a way to help more men achieve and maintain recovery while staying focused on the time honored 12 Step philosophy, we have found that a carefrontational program is more effective in male-specific residential treatment. Examining our societal values, and learning how to create a safe environment in which men can explore and address their issues has led to thinking about sustained recovery for men in a new way.

An environment of risk

Traditionally, in treatment for males, the issues specific to gender were not addressed, yet these were the issues that often led to recidivism: inability to communicate, isolation, anger.

Men suffering from addiction have been affected by many societal causes. Gender-stereotyping behavior from adults sets the stage for the Boy Code, in which emotions need to be kept in check, violence is an acceptable response to emotional upset, self-esteem relies on power, and that all feminine qualities must be rejected (Pollack, 1999). Boys may put down as sissies if they cling and clamor for the closeness they need (Goldberg, 1976). Boys are traditionally taught to stuff emotions and are conditioned to not feel or express pain, grief, or hurt.

The feelings of love, joy, and excitement can also get numbed. Anger, though, often is permitted and encouraged, especially cultivated through team sports where the goal is to beat the opponent as severely as possible. Boys learn that men are expendable, a commodity readily traded for God and country (Keen, 1991). Few boys survive childhood without some form of physical or emotional trauma, often through the aggression of their peers. Boys may learn to trust no one, and that they should know how to take care o and fix everything.

For many men, alcohol and drugs become a comfort and then an addiction. The void created by the trauma of boyhood can be filled, even if temporarily, by chemicals. Pain can be numbed, shyness masked, and anxiety lessened. The need for connection without intimacy can be met. Then the substances stop working. The unthinkable act of asking for help can only be overshadowed by the inability to receive it when it is offered.

Challenging belief systems: what is it like to be male?

We are asking men who enter treatment to challenge core beliefs that theyve lived by. We ask the question What is it like to be male? The answers invariably include the following: lonely; isolative; armor plated; judged; seen as a threat to women, children, and each other; aggressive; expected to perform, provide, and protect. When compared to what we ask of men in treatment (to be vulnerable; share emotions; take risks; cooperate; believe; accept others ideas), it is easy to see how potentially threatening treatment could seem. A treatment environment should be one in which men feel safe enough to allow them to open up to each other. By creating a safe space, emotional movement happens. This environment includes having an all male staff, thereby breaking the cycle of relying on women to meet emotional needs. Five educational modules help men in residential treatment understand the how and why of their behavior.

1. Being a Man.

In this module we examine societal standards of real masculinity and address stereotypes.

2. Family of Origin/Fathers.

We examine childhood messages and the dynamics that led to a life of addiction and isolation. We look at the role of fathers, and teach men how they can begin to parent themselves if necessary.

3. Interpersonal Violence: Anger, Rage, and Control.

Anger is accepted and often expected from men in our society, yet it is destructive when inappropriately expressed. We explore the distinction between the emotion of anger and the action of aggression. We look at rage, which many men think of when they talk about anger, and address power and control issues in interpersonal relationships. Normalizing anger, identifying it as a secondary emotion to fear and shame, and opening a dialogue helps men to express anger in a healthy manner.

4. Sexuality.

The connection between drug and alcohol dependence and promiscuity is apparent. Looking at sexual values and mores in a group setting often removes the bravado factor and allows men to take an honest look at their beliefs.

5. Male Spirituality.

This group seeks to engage all in safe, non-threatening and non-judgmental dialogue, helping men discover that spirituality is about connecting to life, and active addiction is about disconnecting from life. Spiritual development requires men to develop an ability to trust and eventually to rely on elements outside of self, and begin to experience life and peace. These modules play important roles in the successful multi-disciplinary, Twelve-Step focused mens treatment at  Hanley Center,

Alan Lyme, director of clinical practice improvement, Hanley Center, helped to develop an innovative program based on the 12-Step philosophy. Hanley Center specializes in gender-specific treatment for men and women, age-responsive treatment and family and prevention programs for all ages.

Welcome back!

Related posts:

1. Addiction Treatment: Motivating Compliance With Drug Or Alcohol Treatment Getting an addict to listen to your concerns about their...

Tagged as: addiction, chemical dependency