Shifting Perspectives in Recovery: Feminist-Informed Relationship Groups for Male Addicts

Abstract

Addiction distorts relationships. To reduce the risk of relapse, a healthier relationship must emerge in sobriety. In this article, we present a group therapy curriculum that addresses life and relationship issues for men in recovery, incorporating a feminist-informed perspective to challenge viewing women as objects and themselves as invulnerable. In twice-weekly sessions over 4 weeks, groups of men are encouraged to examine how to find balance in their lives, to challenge their views of intimate sexual relationships, to learn how relationships impact relapse risk, to confirm their roles and responsibilities as men, and to support each other in their efforts to change. Although developed for delivery in a 28-day inpatient treatment facility, the curriculum is compatible with outpatient programs. A feminist-informed, systemic perspective is important because the addict's relationships as well as the addict must change to maintain recovery.

KEYWORDS:

• Addiction treatment
• group treatment
• relationships
• men
• feminist theory