Effectiveness of a specialized intervention for women in a methadone program

Over the past 20 years, specialized programming for chemically dependent women has been recommended for improving psychosocial functioning and retention in treatment. This study examined the impact of a structured, six-week assertiveness and sexuality workshop for women at three community-based methadone maintenance programs. Results indicated that women who participated frequently in the women's groups (four to six sessions) showed greater increases in self-esteem and knowledge compared to women who participated infrequently (one to three sessions). In addition, level of participation was positively associated with length of stay in the treatment program after completing the workshop.