Experiences of Power and Violence in Mexican Men Attending Mutual-Aid Residential Centers for Addiction Treatment

Fundamental elements of hegemonic masculinity such as power and violence are analyzed through characteristics of 12-step programs and philosophy immersed in Mutual-Aid Residential Centers for Addiction Treatment (CRAMAAs). CRAMAAs are a culturally specific form of substance abuse treatment in Mexico...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ignacio Lozano-Verduzco PhD, Rodrigo Marín-Navarrete PhD, Martha Romero-Mendoza PhD, Antonio Tena-Suck PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2016-05-01
Series:American Journal of Men's Health
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988314565812
Description
Summary:Fundamental elements of hegemonic masculinity such as power and violence are analyzed through characteristics of 12-step programs and philosophy immersed in Mutual-Aid Residential Centers for Addiction Treatment (CRAMAAs). CRAMAAs are a culturally specific form of substance abuse treatment in Mexico that are characterized by control and violence. Fifteen interviews were carried out with men of varied sociodemographic characteristics, and who resided in at least two of these centers. Results identify that power is expressed through drug abuse and leads them to subsequent biopsychosocial degradation. Residency in CRAMAAs is motivated by women, but men do not seek the residency and are usually admitted unwillingly. Power through violence is carried out inside CRAMAAs where men are victims of abuse. From a 12-step philosophy, this violence is believed to lead them to a path of recovery but instead produces feelings of anger and frustration. The implications of these centers on Mexican public health are discussed.
ISSN:1557-9883
1557-9891