SRWC’S continuing recovery program is designed for male identifying participants who are at least a month sober from drugs and alcohol and wish to maintain their recovery by holistic lifestyle change. The program combines elements of psychoeducation, and behavioral Counselling, offering a supportive environment for men who have completed a treatment program and are continuing their recovery journey. OUR APPROACH. The program takes a gendered approach to highlight how men are vulnerable to addiction by discussing negative gender roles hindering sobriety; the rules and expectations on what it means to be a man. Historically, men have been told that sadness is a sign of weakness, and men shouldn’t talk to other men about their emotions. Anger is the only strong emotion that is acceptable to display. To detach emotionally and appear in control feels imperative because society dictates men shouldn’t talk about their pain. It should be no surprise that many men struggle with their emotions and attitudes long after they’ve achieved sobriety. ISSUES MEN FACE IN RECOVERY. Men usually have fewer social ties than women. For many, their only source of emotional support is their partner, and when that unrealistic expectation is not met – they panic. With unmet needs, men externalize their emotions in various ways such as reckless driving, suicide, alcohol, drugs, interpersonal and community violence. Alcohol use among men has long been associated with masculinity, competition and serves a rite of passage for many. Many men grieve the loss of comradery when they choose to get sober and the Men’s group at SRWC aims to provide the bond they desire.
Rigid gender rules form a box. When a man steps out of the box, they are challenged, with various explicit names, many associated with femininity. When discussing this as a group, we asked ourselves: “Why does it have to be this way?”. The answer is; because we hadn’t questioned it yet. That rigid box of gender expectations creates the breeding ground for addiction – isolation, shame, and secret-keeping. WE CAN HELP. The program challenges the structural ways of thinking in pursuit of being our true authentic selves; feeling comfortable asking for help and expressing a wide range of emotions in a safe way. We discover that characteristics that have historically been defined as weaknesses, are essential parts of a healthy man. To untangle these rigid rules of masculinity is to be vulnerable; an essential component to recovery. SRWC has set the stage for men to empower themselves in a safe, welcoming environment.