Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs for Men

While alcohol use disorders can affect anybody, men and women may experience these types of addictions in different ways. Men are statistically more likely to drink excessively and misuse other substances. Luckily rehab programs specialized for men can yield positive results. Alcohol addiction rehab programs for men can help address the specific struggles men face when trying to recover from addiction.,

Alcohol Use & Addiction Among Men

Both drug and alcohol addiction impact men of all ages across the entire United States. According to research conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 16.8 million males ages 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder in 2023, compared to 12 million among females.¹ This is not unusual, as men have historically drank and used drugs at higher rates than women. Additionally, men are more likely than women to:^2,3

• Use any type of illicit drug.
• Visit the emergency department due to drug misuse.
• Overdose on drugs.
• Higher rates of drug dependence.
• Consume more alcohol.
• Experience more alcohol-related injuries, including death.
• Drink more often and more heavily.

Men who struggle with drug or alcohol misuse or addiction often tend to struggle with issues such as increased aggression and violent behavior as a result of their use.⁴ Unfortunately, while men make up more of the population in treatment than women, they are less likely to seek professional help for their drug or alcohol problems.⁵

Co-Occurring Disorders Among Men

Many men often experience both an alcohol use disorder and a mental health condition at the same time, which is known as a co-occurring disorder.⁶ Some of the most common mental health conditions that men experience alongside an alcohol use disorder include both anxiety and depression.⁶ While it is more likely for people with a co-occurring disorder to reach out for help as opposed to those with just a substance use disorder, men still struggle to ask for help compared to their female counterparts.⁶ There are several reasons for this, including masculine gender norms that cause men to experience stronger feelings of shame than women if they seek professional treatment.⁶ However, with the right care, addiction treatment programs for men with a co-occurring disorder involving alcohol use disorder can help them get back in control of their lives.

Alcohol Rehab Programs for Men

Alcohol rehab for men may be similar to programs offered to the general public, though they may be more tailored toward the specific recovery needs of men.⁷ Some men may feel threatened or otherwise uncomfortable seeking help for or entering treatment for substance use.⁷ As such, treatment providers may need to understand and adapt their behavioral therapeutic approach to account for this hesitation.

Men’s drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs may include different levels of treatment that incorporate several elements of care. Some treatments provided for alcohol treatment for men may include:⁷

• Detoxification: A medically supervised detoxification involves various interventions to keep an individual safe and comfortable while the body rides itself of harmful substances. Due to potentially severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms or withdrawal related complications, many undergo medical detox for safety reasons.
• Group therapy: Group therapy provides an environment where patients can learn social skills and offer each other support. Additionally, many men’s rehab programs may provide single-gender support groups. 
• Individual therapy: Various types of individual therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectic behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing (MI) may make up an important part of men’s rehab programs. 
• Family or couples therapy: This type of therapy helps maintain a relationship with their spouse and family during recovery.

Alcohol rehab for men may take place in different types of treatment settings, including inpatient/residential or outpatient settings, and may be followed up with various aftercare programs for continued recovery work. Residential inpatient treatment involves living at the rehab facility and receiving around-the-clock care.⁷ Outpatient care is often used as a follow-up to inpatient treatment, and allows patients to live at home and work while attending treatment.⁷ Additionally, there are various types of outpatient treatment programs, like partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs, that can provide patients with more intensive care while still living at home or other sober environment. Aftercare programs offer ongoing recovery resources for patients who are getting sober or who are trying to remain sober.

Benefits of Gender-Specific Alcohol Rehab for Men

There are many benefits of men having their own gender-specific rehab for alcohol recovery. Some of the main reasons gender-specific treatment may be right for you include:⁷

• Men’s group therapy can provide patients with a more egalitarian, open environment for sharing emotions and reflecting on one’s behaviors, in stark contrast to potentially competitive and hierarchical male peer groups.
• Many men are socially conditioned to only share emotions with women, and men’s treatment can help spark a reexamination of these beliefs and behaviors.
• Men’s treatment can help kindle an appreciation of community and sharing in patients.
• Men’s treatment can help to improve communication skills in male patients.

Additionally, some logistical aspects of rehab can also provide benefits for men looking for men’s alcohol rehab, such as separate living options from female patients and men’s focus groups.

How to Find an Alcohol Rehab Program for Men

If you are searching for an alcohol treatment program that is most suitable for men, you can always start by asking your doctor for help finding the program best for you. You may also search a treatment database by using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) treatment locator. You may search by location, such as zip code, though you may also apply filters to narrow the search to specific attributes you are looking for in a treatment facility.

Start Your Journey Today

American Addiction Centers (AAC) operates a 24/7 helpline that can connect you with compassionate professionals. Our admissions navigators can help answer your questions about addiction treatment, verify your insurance, and connect you with rehab centers to fit your treatment needs.

American Addiction Centers maintains a strong partnership with a large group of insurance companies at our addiction treatment facilities. Start the journey to recovery and find out instantly using the form below if your health insurance provider may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehab and associated therapies.

Don’t delay, call us today at to get started.