Gender differences in cocaine dependence.

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

PARTICIPANTS

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

FINDINGS: 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.