The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) notes over 1.1 million men were admitted into treatment for substance abuse in 2013. This overwhelming number does not begin to cover the men who did not seek out professional services for addiction. Recovering from addiction is a difficult process but one that can also restore strength in the individual if completed fully and with the proper care.
In order to ensure a successful recovery from addiction, men must completely instill their faith in the treatment program and process. They must fully trust in the counselors and therapists and find the the strength that allows them to accept their powerlessness over their addiction. Unfortunately, some men struggle with the recovery process due to concerns over trust and societal expectations.
The following are mistakes men often make during post addiction treatment recovery
1. Men do not always seek help. The societal stereotypes that surround males is often associated with strength, independence, and resiliency. Getting admitted into a treatment recovery program for addiction may make some men feel vulnerable.
Based on societal standards, men may feel ashamed that they need professionals to help them overcome their addiction. Post-treatment, men may not want to admit that they are struggling with withdrawal symptoms during their recovery.
2. Men do not always trust the therapist. During the treatment program, men may not trust the therapist or counselor. Societal standards have labeled men as being competitive and self-sufficient and, therefore, they may have difficulty asking for help. Additionally, some men may struggle to open up about their weaknesses and painful moments through the recovery process. This can create a strained relationship with the therapist and client because trust is the foundation for ensuring support and safety for the client during the recovery process.
3. Men have difficulty disclosing their emotions to the therapist or in group therapy. Men may struggle with identifying or explaining their emotions associated with the addiction. In addition, during group therapy sessions, men may not necessarily connect with other members of the group. This refers to the socialization of men and the belief that they must be strong and independent.
The purpose of group therapy sessions is to seek support and create a community of people who are going through similar experiences. Ultimately, group therapy sessions are essential in creating an understanding that everyone goes through difficult moments in their lives and they do not need to overcome them alone.
4. Men may express anger during recovery. Research has shown that anger is very common for men during and after recovery from addiction. During the treatment program, men may show anger towards a therapist or other members in the group because they may not necessarily know how to handle the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
Men may have difficulty coping with cleansing their minds and bodies from their addiction and may lash out in unwanted behaviors. This anger may have started during the addiction process and can ultimately lead to a relapse.
It is essential for men to reframe their mindset and know that the therapist and overall recovery program has their best interest at heart. These 4 mistakes can truly be avoided by choosing a treatment program that provides faith-based care and ensures trust and understanding for all of its clients. Covenant Hills provides a strong spiritual foundation of support to meet the needs of all men. The professionally trained staff will help all men establish meaning and purpose back into their lives without their addiction. Call today 888.758.9677 to speak with an addiction specialist.
