How Are Women Who Enter Substance Abuse Treatment Different than Men? A Gender Comparison from the Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Study (DATOS)

Abstract

Literature on gender differences among those entering substance abuse treatment is limited. Using data from intake interviews in a large multisite prospective clinical epidemiological study, this study provides the opportunity to explore gender differences with implications for treatment response. Comparisons are made not only between women and men but also between four different treatment modalities.

Traditional gender differences were found with regard to age, education and employment. Although some drug use patterns were similar, men reported more alcohol use while women reported more daily use of cocaine. Women reported more problems related to health and mental health. In addition, women reported much greater proportions of past and current physical and sexual abuse. Women also reported greater concerns about issues related to children, although both women and men reported concern about drug treatment affecting custody of children.