Female clients in substance abuse treatment

This paper reviews recent research on sex differences in the nature of alcohol and drug problems, use of treatment services, and the role of treatment and extratreatment factors in influencing these problems. Although patterns of use are different for men and women, responses to traditional treatment programs have not been different. Research suggests that programs providing ancillary services designed to meet the particular needs of women, such as child care, and those involving other family members and significant others hold the greatest promise for women with drug and alcohol problems.