title: Gender differences in attitudes toward alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
abstract: A number of differences exist between men and women in use patterns and risk factors for substance abuse. In recent years these differences have received increased attention; however, gender-related attitudes toward substance abuse need additional study. This study examines gender-related differences in beliefs about the causes of the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; the power of various substances of abuse; the prevalence of substance use; and the effectiveness of various interventions. Women were more likely to attribute causality to biological or environmental factors, to perceive drugs as more powerful, to perceive a higher incidence of substance abuse, and to believe prevention and treatment were more effective. Therefore, prevention, assessment, and treatment programs should be designed differently for women than for men.
authors.affiliation: Center for Social Work Education, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA.
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Kauffman
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Silver
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Poulin
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012723:Sex; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires