In treatment planning, consider approaches that have been found effective with men or with men who have particular characteristics (such as a high degree of anger)-these, too, are discussed in Chapter 5. Providers should also recognize the motivations that typically bring men to treatment (such as criminal justice system involvement, referrals from other behavioral health resources, and family or work-related pressures, discussed in Chapter 5) and the possible resentment of treatment staff that can result. Small adaptations can be made to improve treatment for men, such as ensuring that waiting rooms have decorations and reading material that appeal to men, and asking about client preferences regarding types of treatment (many men prefer more instrumental approaches, such as cognitive–behavioral therapy) and behavioral health service provider gender (see the discussion on therapist gender later in this chapter). As noted in Chapter 1, most clients in substance abuse treatment are male, and most research into treatment methods has used populations that reflect the composition of treatment programs. Many treatment approaches useful for men are the same that have been found useful for all clients.
Treating Men for Substance Abuse: General Considerations
