Sex Differences in Addict Careers. 4. Treatment

Abstract

Comparisons of behaviors during treatment were made between a sample of women and a sample of men methadone maintenance clients. Women in this study exhibited high motivation for treatment. Overall, however, small differences were found between the sexes with respect to treatment process and outcome measures. The observed differences that were significant included use of substances other than heroin, interpersonal relationships, drug dealing, employment, and criminal behaviors. The differences seemed to be in accordance with traditional sex role expectations. The distinctive behavior pattern of Chicanas demonstrated in this study demands special attention. It is suggested that treatment programs should incorporate more services to meet women-specific needs.

Gender differences in long-term drug treatment outcomes in Chicago PETS

“…Much of this prior research on gender differences in addiction and treatment careers was established with primary opiate users (Anglin, Hser, & Booth, 1987;Gerstein, Judd, & Rovner, 1979;Kosten, Rounsaville, & Kleber, 1985;Marsh & Simpson, 1986) and with follow-up periods of limited duration (Chatham, Hiller, Rowan-Szal, Joe, & Simpson, 1999). The study findings are consistent with other research showing gender differences among cocaine users at admission to and shortly following treatment (Boyd & Mieczkowski, 1990;Griffin, Weiss, Mirin, & Lange, 1989;Lundy, Gottheil, Serota, Weinstein, & Sterling, 1995;Weiss, Martinez-Raga, Griffin, Greenfield, & Hufford, 1997).…”

Effects of Comorbid Opiate Dependency on Patients Admitted for Alcohol detoxification: Retrospective Chart Review and 2 Year Outcome

“…We also noted that more males required alcohol detoxification, who were on ORT than those who were admitted for alcohol detoxification not on ORT. Evidence suggests that outcomes of alcohol problems in patients with opiate addiction are better for women than men [18,19]. Therefore, our findings and that of others support the idea that younger age and male gender are poor prognostic factors.…”

Perceived Factors Influencing the Initiation of Drug and Alcohol Use Among Homeless Women and Reported Consequences of Use

“…The scars of abuse may well produce lower self-esteem and emotional problems that often go untreated in this population of women. As a result, the emotional, psychic, and often physical scars of abuse fuel the need to escape mentioned so often by users (Anglin et al, 1987;Miller et al, 1989;Nyamathi, Leake, Flaskerud, Lewis & Bennett, 1993;Shuler, 1991). The flip side of escape is the desire to fit in.…”

“…Nearly one-fourth of Anglo women and over half of the Chicana women in a methadone maintenance program stated that their initiation into drug use was due to a spouse or common-law partner using drugs daily (Hser, Anglin & McGlothlin, 1987a). Drug use has also been seen as a coping mechanism, particularly for women, to counteract life strains and stresses, and has been associated with perceived lack of control, low self-esteem, dependency, social isolation and poor socialization of women in society (Anglin, Hser, & Booth, 1987;Hser, Anglin, & Booth, 1987b;Miller et al, 1989). However, many studies are limited by the absence of control groups, small sample sizes, and focus on male addicts, or relatively limited samples, such as women addicted to heroin and arrestees (Hser et al, 1987a, b).…”