When considering treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, many people wonder if co-ed rehab is the right choice for them. While there are certainly benefits to both single-gender and co-ed rehab programs, the ultimate decision comes down to personal preference and individual needs.
This guide explores co-ed rehab in detail so you can make an informed decision for your care. It also discusses options for single-gender care and provides a vetting structure to help you make a choice.
Overwhelmed by the search results under ‘coed rehab near me?’ We also explain how My Time Recovery — the best co-ed rehab in Fresno — can help you work on maintaining recovery.
What is Co-ed Rehab?
Co-ed drug rehab facilities are treatment centers welcoming both male and female patients. This type of treatment offers gender-specific therapy sessions and activities while also allowing men and women to interact with each other in a supportive and therapeutic environment.
Most co-ed drug rehabs offer an inpatient treatment plan where you’ll live alongside others for a specified period. However, some outpatient programs may also offer co-ed group therapy sessions or activities, including family therapy, group therapy, and similar treatment modalities.
With co-ed rehab targeting substance abuse, you may receive comprehensive treatment for:
- Designer drugs
- Illicit drug or alcohol abuse
- A co-occurring condition (such as mental health disorders or chronic pain)
The right co-ed drug rehab can help with maintaining sobriety, moving you closer to a full recovery. They also address certain differences in genders and addictions, as you’ll learn below.
Gender Differences in Substance Abuse Treatment
Men and women have different challenges and requirements when it comes to drug abuse. While it would be inaccurate to say that men and women are entirely different from each other, there are certainly differences between the two in terms of addiction and recovery.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), men are more likely than women to have some type of substance abuse disorder. However, women are just as likely to suffer from substance addiction and may be more likely to suffer cravings from substance use.
Men and women also have different underlying factors fueling their addictions, and these must be addressed to achieve success in their journey to sobriety. Women entering addiction treatment centers may have to deal with issues such as unhealthy or abusive relationships, sexual abuse, or eating disorders, which need to be addressed within their treatment program. On the other hand, men often need to work through issues such as emotional distance, anger management, and parent/child relationships, which are usually addressed in male-directed treatment programs.
Another difference observed between men and women in addiction treatment is that men may experience worse symptoms of alcohol withdrawal than women. Conversely, women are more likely to experience intense cravings and relapse into drug misuse. This is not true of every individual, but they do serve as signposts to help those struggling with addiction.
The question is: should you attend rehab in a co-ed center? Which option makes the most sense for your mental and physical health?
What Are the Benefits of Co-ed Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
There are several advantages to a co-ed treatment option:
Widely Available
Most addiction treatment programs are co-ed, providing more options when choosing a rehab center. This increases the likelihood of finding the right program for you.
Improved Interactions
A co-ed setting may help improve interactions with the opposite sex, which is beneficial as many issues stem from these relationships. Having these interactions in a safe, controlled setting may encourage healthier relationships after completing the program.
Behavioral Couples Therapy
Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) is particularly effective in co-ed rehab settings, as it involves the participation of both partners in the treatment process. In a co-ed rehab program, family members can attend therapy sessions together, addressing issues such as codependency, enabling behaviors, and mutual support in recovery.
Natural Environment
Co-ed programs also create a more natural environment, reflecting the everyday reality where genders are rarely separated. Additionally, these programs help dispel gender misconceptions, allowing you to develop more accurate and informed opinions about the opposite sex.
Self Discovery
Multi-gender interactions in the addiction space can bring underlying issues to light more quickly than in single-gender settings. This can enable concerns about self-esteem, weight, and body image to be effectively addressed in therapy.
Diverse Perspectives
Co-ed addiction treatment, especially outpatient, can provide a broader range of perspectives and experiences, enriching group discussions and fostering a more comprehensive understanding of addiction and recovery. This diversity can enhance empathy, resilience, and personal growth, contributing to a more robust recovery process.
What Are the Benefits of Gender-Specific Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
Choosing a gender-specific treatment program can offer numerous advantages, even though it does not guarantee success.
Let’s take a look at the biggest benefits:
Less Distracting
For heterosexual men and women, co-ed rehab programs can sometimes be distracting. The bonds formed during treatment can lead to sexual attraction or relationships, which, although initially appealing, may hinder the recovery process and increase the risk of relapse.
Forming a relationship too early or with the wrong person can be particularly detrimental to recovery. It may also cause you to backslide with your treatment, forcing you to lose progress with your mental health, drug use recovery, and more.
More Focused Treatments
A gender-specific treatment center may allow for more focused treatment options. Co-ed programs need to address issues that are relevant to both men and women.
In contrast, gender-specific programs can delve deeper into the unique experiences and issues affecting either men or women. This targeted approach can improve the effectiveness of the treatment.
Stronger Bonding
Bonding among participants in gender-specific programs can be easier due to shared experiences and similarities. This can foster a stronger support network essential for successful recovery. In contrast, bonding with someone of the opposite sex can sometimes be more challenging.
Deciding Between a Co-ed and Gender-Specific Rehab
When deciding between a co-ed or gender-specific treatment program, it’s essential to prioritize your comfort. Feeling at ease in the treatment environment is crucial for success in recovery. Committing to every step of the treatment process is essential, as it involves discussing complex subjects, opening your heart and mind, and sharing experiences.
Before making a decision, ask yourself:
- Will the co-ed rehab facility provide the comfort level you need?
- Can you focus on drug addiction recovery in a co-ed setting?
- Will you feel safe sharing your experiences and thoughts with members of the opposite sex?
- Would you prefer to discuss issues that affect only men or women without feeling judged?
- Do they offer mental health services that come with a personalized treatment plan?
- Do they accept big-name insurance providers (or at least in-network with your insurance provider)?
Not everyone feels comfortable in co-ed recovery spaces, as it can create pressure on men or women to behave in specific ways. This could cause them to hold back in group therapy sessions or avoid engaging in recreational activities that can distract from recovery.
Co-ed programs may not be suitable for:
- Those with co-occurring disorders (such as mental health illness or sex addiction)
- Pregnant women who wish to be with other women
- Victims of sexual assault or domestic violence
- Individuals struggling with co-dependency issues
- Members of the armed forces or combat veterans
However, co-ed rehab programs might be suitable for:
- Those who do not identify with a specific gender
- People who prefer to be surrounded by a diverse group of people
- Individuals who feel more comfortable in a mixed-gender setting
Choosing a Co-Ed Addiction Recovery Center: My Time Recovery
Several addiction recovery centers in Fresno offer co-ed rehab for drug use. But there’s only one My Time Recovery: Fresno’s premier addiction treatment center.
My Time Recovery is a mission-driven center that provides evidence-based addiction treatment services for both men and women. Our integrated approach addresses the unique challenges faced by individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders, including their underlying mental health issues.
We offer:
- Free family therapy programs offer support and guidance to family members
- Comprehensive services for substance use
- Support for private insurance coverage
- A safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for clients of both genders
- A team of licensed professionals dedicated to helping you achieve lasting recovery
- Individualized treatment plans, therapy sessions, support groups, and aftercare planning
For more information about our treatment approach, get your questions answered by one of My Time Recovery’s addiction professionals. You may contact our treatment center at (559) 293-4387 to discuss your options for comprehensive care.
Common Questions About Co-ed Rehab
Still have questions about co-ed addiction treatment?
We’ve answered some of the most common ones below.
Q: Do co-ed rehabs with help drinking alcohol?
Most co-end rehabs can help with alcohol substance use disorder, which means they include a gender-agnostic treatment program for alcohol addiction or misuse. Coed rehabs in Clovis, for example, provide several mental health services to reduce the likelihood of relapse post-treatment.
Q: What is attending rehab like in a co-ed setting?
A co-ed addiction treatment program functions much the same as a single-gender center. The biggest difference is housing and gender involvement. You may room with individuals of the opposite sex and attend group meetings with men and women.
Q: Can I attend co-ed rehab without a binary gender?
Co-ed clinics share a common goal: to help those experiencing addiction find comprehensive care. This means many co-ed rehabs welcome all individuals and provide personalized care plans for their recovery.
