Ethnic and gender differences in drug users' perceived need for treatment

Little is known about ethnic and gender variation in drug users' perceived need for treatment or about the predisposing factors that might account for such variation. Among 1,170 drug-using arrestees in Los Angeles, perceived need for treatment is positively related to these predisposing factors: self-reported drug dependence, attitude toward treatment for drug use, and occurrence of drug-related problems other than dependence. Self-reported drug dependence is higher among women and accounts for the greater perceived need reported by women. Hispanics are less likely to perceive a need for treatment. Among daily drug users, both Hispanics and Africans Americans are less likely to do so. These ethnic differences are not explained by self-reported drug dependence or any other predisposing factor. Implications for treatment referral, intake, and counseling are discussed.