Gender differences in cocaine dependence.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined gender differences among treatment-seeking cocaine-dependent outpatients (e.g., on demographics, psychopathology, and substance abuse).


METHODS
Participants were 2376 adults with cocaine dependence entering a multisite randomized controlled trial of psychosocial therapies.


RESULTS
Women, compared to men, had less severe lifetime substance use problems but a higher pattern of psychiatric, medical, social/family, and employment problems; they also had more positive expectations and opinions about treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Women may be willing to engage in treatment but may have challenging economic and psychosocial concerns over and above their addiction.
Najavits
Lisa M
LM
VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA. lisa.najavits@va.gov <lisa.najavits@va.gov>
Lester
Kristin M
KM
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications; D009042:Motivation; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014478:Unemployment / Q000523:psychology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology