Battling substance abuse is challenging. Recovery is a process. One important part of the recovery process can be treatment. Sometimes that treatment begins with an alcohol rehab program. There are various types of treatment facilities and treatment programs.
Often, rehab facilities are specific to gender. Men will frequently choose male alcohol rehab for various reasons. During their treatment, they are exposed to group therapy, an important tool in addiction recovery. When only men are part of a therapy group, there are benefits.
There are simply certain things men seem reluctant to discuss in the presence of women. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just reality. For this reason, many men in recovery enjoy fellowship with other men, especially in groups where experience is shared openly. There are men-only fellowship meetings for this purpose.
Fear
There is an unspoken axiom that men are not supposed to be afraid of anything. It’s simply not manly. It’s even more unmanly to talk about your fears. However, fear is real. Fear is one of the most powerful emotions that trigger addiction.
Fear is also one topic many men are reluctant to discuss, especially openly in a mixed-gender environment. Men’s group therapy, or men-only meetings, is the perfect place for men to talk about things that may be normally hard to reveal. Fear is one of these.
There are many aspects of living clean and sober, which are difficult to talk about. However, once the tension is broken and the others share their experience, it becomes much easier to open up. This is most obvious with maybe no other topic in men’s groups than fear.
Weakness
The weakness we’re referring to here has nothing to do with physical strength. However, it is still something that men are often reluctant to mention. Like being fearless, men are never supposed to expose their weaknesses. This is a false perception of weakness.
There are volumes written of gallant and brave men. Succumbing to a weakness and needing help does not mean you lack courage. It is actually the opposite. Appreciating that you need help and asking for help is a sign of both wisdom and courage. For men especially, it can take a lot to ask for help.
It’s this perceived idea that asking for help somehow makes you weak that propels many men deeper into substance abuse. Talking about the weakness to say no to drugs and alcohol is a common and important topic discussed in men’s group therapy.
Triggers
Triggers have to potential to be a destructive force when you’re striving to live clean and sober. There are environmental triggers that can be caused by places you live or visit. The physical and psychological cravings subside over time, but they can challenge your sobriety.
Many triggers are not unique to men in recovery. However, like other recovery topics, there are certain aspects of staying on the recovery path that men experience more than women. The types of triggers unique to men in recovery are a common topic in men’s group sessions.
Like fear and perceived weakness, certain triggers are driven by a cultural perception of what a man should act like. The marketing of many alcoholic beverages insinuates that alcohol is a necessity of male camaraderie.
Gratitude
Expressing gratefulness may come easy for some. Ironically, many of the same roadblocks feel for expressing fear, anxiety, or weakness, make it hard to share their gratitude. Gratitude is a staple topic in most recovery fellowships.
Gratitude is also a common topic of discussion during men’s group therapy in a rehab environment. Some men learn how to appreciate gratefulness for the first time. Other men learn by witnessing the experience of other men who stay clean and sober. They can do it as well.
Being grateful doesn’t mean you have to walk around with a smile on your face 24-hours a day. Life can be challenging, and never everything will be happy, joyous and lighthearted. However, learning how to show gratitude for the little things can be a valuable tool in recovery, especially for men.
Treatment is an excellent place to lay the groundwork for a lifelong experience in recovery. Living without drugs and alcohol can be done. Millions have found a way out. If you think you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, ask for help.
Help is available, all you have to do is ask. For men looking towards a new way of life, a men’s treatment facility can be a great place to begin. One of the benefits will certainly be the openness and honesty shared at men’s group therapy sessions. Call us at 833-364-0736.