Gender differences in treatment-seeking cocaine abusers--implications for treatment and prognosis

Abstract

This study examined gender differences in demographics, psychosocial functioning, substance abuse severity, psychopathology, and 1-year outcome in cocaine-dependent patients with the goal of identifying factors important to improving treatment and identifying prognostic indicators. The sample included 298 cocaine-dependent adults (92 women). Ninety-four patients (29 women) provided 1-year follow-up assessments. Compared to men, women consumed similar quantities of cocaine by more addictive routes and experienced more rapid progression of drug dependence, thus highlighting the need to facilitate treatment entry. The substantial rates of positive treatment outcomes emphasizes the effectiveness of treatment for cocaine-dependent individuals.