A comparison of male and female clients in substance abuse treatment

To assess the extent to which women appear to have special treatment needs, this paper compares male and female patients receiving inpatient substance abuse treatment. The author analyzed completed intake interview forms from the files of all clients entering two private, nonprofit inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities during an 8-month period in 1989 (a total of 181 men and 48 women). The women were similar to the men with respect to sociodemographic characteristics, family history, alcohol/drug history, and treatment completion. However, they were more likely to report a sexual abuse history and indicated more emotional distress than the men. Implications for treatment are discussed.