Gender-Specific Rehabilitation Programs

Men and women can face different patterns of substance use and addiction. National data show that men generally have higher rates of substance use disorders, while women can face different risks and barriers when seeking treatment.

• Among adults in the United States, 21.4% of men had a substance use disorder in the past year, compared with 14.6% of women, based on 2022–2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data.[1]
• Men also had higher rates of past-year drug use disorder in 2023. Among people ages 12 and older, 11.1% of males had a drug use disorder compared with 8.1% of females.[2]
• Drug overdose deaths also show a significant difference by sex. In 2023, the age-adjusted overdose death rate was 44.3 deaths per 100,000 for males and 18.3 per 100,000 for females.[3]
• Although men have higher rates of substance use and overdose deaths, women can face unique challenges related to addiction. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that women may have different responses to substances, may be more susceptible to craving and relapse, and can face treatment barriers such as difficulty finding child care.[4] [5]

These differences do not mean that every man or woman experiences addiction in the same way. They show why treatment may need to consider biological, psychological, social, and personal factors when developing a recovery plan.

Gender-specific treatment gives men and women the opportunity to work through addiction in an environment that considers experiences that may affect their recovery. The goal is not to assume that everyone of the same gender has the same needs, but to create a setting where people may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive experiences and concerns.

A comfortable environment for difficult conversations

Some people find it easier to discuss painful or personal subjects with people of the same gender. A gender-specific setting can provide an environment where patients feel more comfortable talking about trauma, relationships, shame, vulnerability, or other issues that may be difficult to discuss in a mixed-gender group.

Support for trauma and other underlying issues

Trauma can play an important role in substance use and recovery. Gender-specific treatment can give clinicians an opportunity to address trauma and other experiences that may be especially relevant to a patient’s life. For women, this may include experiences such as sexual or physical trauma. For men, treatment may address difficulties with vulnerability, emotional expression, or pressure surrounding traditional ideas about masculinity.

Peer support and shared experiences

Connecting with peers who have experienced similar challenges can help people feel less isolated during recovery. Gender-specific groups may make it easier for some patients to build those connections and recognize that they are not alone in what they are experiencing.

Treatment that considers individual needs

Gender-specific treatment does not mean that every man or woman receives the same treatment. Each person’s substance use, mental health, relationships, history, and recovery goals are different. A gender-informed approach can be one part of developing treatment that addresses the whole person.

A supportive setting for recovery

Feeling safe and understood can make it easier to participate in treatment. For people who prefer a gender-specific environment, having access to same-gender peers and clinicians may provide an added sense of comfort and support throughout recovery.