Addiction affects people from all backgrounds, but research shows that men often experience addiction differently from women. For individuals and families in New Jersey, understanding these differences can help identify the most effective support options.
This article is designed for those who are learning about men in recovery and the challenges they face with addiction and mental health. Using the latest research and insight, the Discovery Institute in Marlboro, New Jersey, has had a commitment for over 50 years to helping men achieve sobriety and maintain recovery.
Why Men Experience Addiction Differently
Men face unique challenges when it comes to substance use disorders. Recent data shows that men make up about 67% of all admissions to substance use treatment programs in New Jersey. The most commonly reported substances include alcohol, opioids, and marijuana.
Biology plays a significant role in how addiction affects men. Testosterone and other hormones influence reward pathways in the brain, sometimes leading to higher risk-taking behaviors. Men’s brains may also respond differently to stress and cravings, which can affect patterns of substance use and recovery outcomes.
Social expectations create additional barriers for men seeking help. Many boys and men learn early to suppress emotions, avoid vulnerability, and handle problems independently. This socialization can lead to using substances as a way to cope with stress or trauma instead of seeking support or expressing feelings openly.
Key factors that make addiction different for men:
- Biological differences: Higher testosterone levels can increase impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors linked to substance use
- Emotional suppression: Men may express stress through anger or withdrawal rather than asking for help
- Social pressure: Cultural norms often tell men to be strong and self-reliant, making it harder to admit when help is needed
Common Challenges Men Face in Recovery
Many men struggle with identifying and expressing emotions during recovery. This pattern, called emotional suppression, can make addiction treatment more difficult. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that difficulty processing emotions limits the ability to develop healthy coping strategies.
In treatment settings, emotional suppression might look like avoiding group discussions, using anger to cover up other feelings, or having trouble describing personal experiences. Some men report not knowing what they feel beyond basic emotions like anger or stress.
Society often expects men to be strong providers and reliable leaders. When a man develops a substance use disorder, he may feel he has failed these expectations. This creates feelings of guilt and shame, and embarrassment that can prevent seeking help.
Studies indicate that about 30% of men with addiction worry about being judged if they seek treatment. In New Jersey communities, cultural beliefs about masculinity and family responsibility can make these feelings even stronger. Men may fear losing respect, disappointing family members, or appearing weak.
Men typically wait longer than women to enter addiction treatment. National surveys show that men wait an average of 4 to 7 years from first noticing a problem to seeking help, while women wait 2 to 5 years.
This reluctance shows up as insisting on handling problems alone, downplaying the seriousness of substance use, or avoiding conversations about treatment. Common barriers include fear of job loss, financial concerns, and not wanting to appear vulnerable.
Strengths That Support Men’s Recovery
Men often approach recovery with the same goal-oriented mindset they use in other areas of life. This can be a significant advantage in addiction treatment. Research shows that clear goals and self-motivation are strong predictors of successful recovery outcomes.
At the Discovery Institute, counselors work with men to set specific, measurable goals for sobriety, relationships, health, and career. Breaking larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps helps track progress and maintain motivation throughout the recovery process.
Male peer relationships play a crucial role in recovery success. Men-only support groups often create environments where participants feel safer expressing their struggles and experiences. National recovery surveys indicate that people involved in peer support are about twice as likely to maintain long-term sobriety.
Men in recovery frequently report that sharing openly with others who have similar backgrounds helps reduce isolation. Accountability in recovery, especially within peer groups, encourages regular participation and consistent progress toward recovery goals.
Recovery can represent a chance for significant personal development. Many men respond well to challenge-based approaches that include setting milestones, tracking improvements, and taking on new responsibilities.
New Jersey recovery communities offer various opportunities for men to build confidence and discover interests. These might include volunteer work, skills workshops, recreational activities, or leadership roles in support groups.
Gender-Specific Treatment Options for Men
Men-only group therapy creates spaces where participants share experiences with other men facing similar challenges. Research shows that gender-specific groups help participants express themselves more honestly, especially regarding topics like anger, shame, and vulnerability.
These groups focus on emotional expression, stress management, and building healthy relationships. Discussions often address social pressures, trauma, and how traditional masculinity affects recovery. At the Discovery Institute, men-only group therapy addresses the specific challenges men face in addiction recovery.
New Jersey offers both outpatient and residential treatment programs designed specifically for men’s addiction recovery needs. Outpatient programs allow participants to live at home while attending therapy sessions several times per week. These typically include individual counseling, group therapy, and family sessions.
Residential treatment involves living at a treatment facility for 30 to 90 days or longer. These programs provide 24-hour support, structured daily routines, and access to medical care when needed.
Treatment program options include:
- Intensive outpatient programs: Multiple therapy sessions per week while living at home
- Residential treatment: Full-time care in a structured environment
- Dual-diagnosis treatment: Addresses both addiction and mental health conditions simultaneously
More than 40% of men in substance use treatment have co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders. Integrated treatment addresses both addiction and mental health needs together rather than separately.
This approach includes therapy for mental health symptoms, medication management when appropriate, and specialized group sessions focused on emotional regulation. Treatment centers coordinate care plans and monitor progress in both areas to improve overall outcomes.
Building Support Networks and Preventing Relapse
Men-specific recovery communities in New Jersey provide opportunities to share experiences and build lasting connections. These groups meet in person or virtually, allowing men to discuss challenges and progress in confidential settings. Support options available in New Jersey:
- 12-Step programs: Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings in every county
- SMART Recovery: Science-based, secular program using cognitive-behavioral techniques
- Faith-based groups: Religious and spiritual recovery communities
- Alumni programs: Ongoing support for treatment program graduates
Family support significantly influences recovery outcomes for men with substance use disorders. When families participate in treatment and education, men are more likely to stay engaged and experience fewer relapses.
Family involvement might include counseling sessions, educational workshops, and support groups for family members. Discovery Institute offers family support services, including structured family sessions and educational resources.
A relapse prevention plan helps men identify and manage situations that could lead to substance use. Plans include strategies for recognizing triggers, finding healthy coping methods, and staying connected to support systems.
Essential components of relapse prevention:
- Trigger identification: Personal risk factors like certain people, places, or situations
- Coping strategies: Healthy alternatives to substance use, such as exercise or talking with supporters
- Support activation: Clear steps for reaching out when struggling
- Daily structure: Consistent routines that support ongoing recovery
Finding Professional Help and Resources
Recognizing when professional help is appropriate can be an important step. Warning signs that may indicate a need for treatment include physical withdrawal symptoms when not using substances, multiple unsuccessful attempts to quit, needing increasing amounts to achieve the same effect, and experiencing relationship, work, or legal problems related to substance use.
New Jersey offers various treatment options, including outpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs, residential treatment, and medical detoxification services. Many facilities provide dual-diagnosis treatment for those with both mental health and substance use concerns.
Insurance plans in New Jersey, including Medicaid and Medicare, often cover addiction treatment services. Treatment centers typically accept private insurance and may offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees based on income.
When selecting a treatment program, factors to consider include licensing and accreditation, staff credentials, treatment approaches used, location, and available support services. Speaking with treatment staff can help answer questions about program structure and expectations.
Men and Addiction FAQs
Men’s addiction treatment often focuses on addressing emotional suppression, social expectations around masculinity, and goal-oriented recovery approaches, while women’s treatment may prioritize trauma-informed care and relationship-focused healing methods.
According to New Jersey Department of Human Services data, approximately 44% of men who enter substance use treatment programs in the state complete their treatment plans as of recent reporting.
Family members can provide support by listening without judgment, learning about addiction as a health condition, encouraging treatment, and participating in family therapy or educational programs when available.
Most health insurance plans in New Jersey, including Medicaid and Medicare, provide coverage for addiction treatment services, though specific coverage details vary by plan and should be verified with the insurance provider.
Gender-specific treatment allows men to address masculinity-related challenges, express vulnerability more comfortably, and connect with peers who understand similar social pressures and expectations around traditional male roles.
Taking the Next Steps Toward Recovery
Men experience addiction through unique challenges, including emotional suppression, social stigma, and reluctance to seek help. At the same time, strengths like goal-oriented thinking, responsiveness to peer accountability, and motivation for personal growth can support successful recovery outcomes.
New Jersey provides various support options specifically designed for men’s addiction recovery needs. These include gender-specific group therapy, specialized treatment programs, and integrated mental health services. Recent data shows that about 44% of men who enter addiction treatment in New Jersey complete their programs successfully.
Recovery is an ongoing process that benefits from personalized approaches. Many men participate in continuing care through alumni programs, sober living communities, or ongoing therapy to maintain progress and prevent relapse.
Contact us to speak with a certified addiction counselor for a free evaluation and guidance on treatment options. Discovery Institute has supported men and their families in recovery for over 50 years, providing evidence-based, compassionate care in a safe and respectful environment.
Dr. Michael DeShields, MD, ASAM, DABAM, is a distinguished Medical Director with nearly 40 years of expertise in addiction medicine. A diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine and the American Society of Addiction Medicine since 1996, he is renowned for his leadership and commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care. Dr. DeShields earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and completed his training at Cooper University Medical Center, where he cultivated his passion for addiction treatment. His dedication and innovation continue to shape the field, guiding clinical teams and supporting patients on their recovery journey.
