Services provided during methadone treatment. A gender comparison.

Greater improvement in posttreatment outcomes has been shown in programs that tailor frequency and type of services to unique client needs. Using a sample of 635 clients (199 females and 436 males) admitted to three community-based methadone treatment programs, this study examined gender differences in services needed and provided during the first 3 months of treatment. Results revealed that compared to males, women entered treatment with more psychological symptoms and AIDS/HIV-risky behaviors; they also presented with less criminal activity, less alcohol use, and higher motivation. Counselors addressed psychological and crisis issues more frequently with women, and counseling strategies were more often directed toward developing problem-solving and communication skills. Counselors also made more medical referrals and reported having better rapport with females. Attention to employment issues and HIV/AIDS sexual-risk behaviors did not differ by gender, even though women had more needs in these areas.