It is critical that there be a safe space in recovery for all who want it. For far too long, this has not always been the case. This is especially true with the lack of gender sensitivity in recovery spaces. The good news is that recovery centers are now more diverse and inclusive than ever. This is certainly true with our treatment services at Lantana Recovery.
Better Understanding Addiction Treatment
Millions of people struggle with addiction every day. This is true both in the U.S. and around the globe. Many of these people also face stigmas related to their addiction. These stigmas can get in the way of their recovery.
Stigma related to addiction does not discriminate; anyone struggling with addiction can feel the effects (it does not matter what gender one might be). Many people face the stigma that addiction is some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply untrue. Addiction is a disease.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Those changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs.” Also, just like other diseases, addiction does not discriminate either.
The Importance of Inclusion in Addiction Treatment
It is important that everyone feels welcome when it comes to addiction treatment. If not, the chances of that person either never getting the help they need or experiencing a relapse go up exponentially.
When it comes to relapse, many people don’t realize just how prevalent it can be. According to the peer-reviewed journal Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment.” Also, “For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.” This is also why gender sensitivity in addiction treatment can be so important.
Gender Sensitivity in Addiction Treatment
There are two modes of thought when it comes to gender and recovery, both of which can be useful depending on the individual. One is that a recovery program is specific to one gender (for example, a program just for women), and the other is a co-ed recovery program.
The key to both of these programs is a focus on respect and human dignity. Recovery can be hard enough without adding an extra level of bigotry and discrimination. The good news is that there are many modalities that can help in recovery, all of which are gender neutral.
Gender Sensitivity With Treatment Modalities
Holistic healing practices have become more and more mainstream in recent years. Practices like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation are some of the fastest-growing modalities in the addiction treatment industry. The reason for this is that they have been shown to be highly effective regardless of race, creed, or gender.
The iconic yogi and spiritual leader B.K.S. Iyengar famously said, “Yoga allows you to rediscover a sense of wholeness in your life, where you do not feel like you are constantly trying to fit broken pieces together.” Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years. Initially, it was just used for spiritual or religious purposes, but it has since moved into the recovery realm.
The benefits of yoga for recovery can be vast and varied. According to the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “Therapeutic yoga is defined as the application of yoga postures and practice to the treatment of health conditions. Yoga therapy involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent, reduce, or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional, and spiritual pain, suffering, or limitations. Yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.”
Gender Sensitivity With 12-Step Recovery
12-Step recovery can also be a highly beneficial and gender-neutral practice. This type of recovery offers individuals a chance to connect with all sorts of people from all sorts of backgrounds.
12-Step recovery also offers an opportunity to stay accountable and help others recover. This is the critical cycle of recovery that also greatly reduces the chances of a relapse.
The Importance of Long-Term Success at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” We also strongly believe in diversity and gender sensitivity in recovery.
Recovery works best when we all work together. It is a “We” program, never a “Me” program. Recovery is possible. You can do this! We can help.
Everyone has the right to recover. The importance of inclusion in recovery, including gender sensitivity, cannot be overstated. It is important for everyone in all populations to feel that they are seen in the addiction treatment and recovery realm. This has not always been the case, but the good news is that more and more recovery centers are focusing on inclusion. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right track to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this alone. For more information about gender sensitivity in treatment, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
