NCJ Number
190810
Journal
Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: 2001 Pages: 45-60
Date Published
2001
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study tested hypotheses regarding gender differences among men and women diagnosed with alcohol-related problems.
Abstract
The sample consisted of 101 men and women from a Midwestern city hospital-based substance abuse treatment program and another 101 women and men recruited from the self-help programs of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Women for Sobriety. Participants from the hospital-based program met criteria for alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. The average age of all subjects was 42.4 years. The study instrument consisted of a short demographics section and a data sheet reserved for recording the rankings of alcohol-related life experiences, including the frequency of each experience. No measure was used to determine the participants' level of polysubstance abuse or dependence. The study found that withdrawal symptoms and perceived psychological impairments occurred earlier in women's drinking careers compared to men. Further, the data showed that women tended to initiate help from professionals earlier in their drinking careers than did the men. By investigating women's physiological reactions to alcohol, gynecological and obstetric issues, motor vehicle problems, physical or sexual abuse and domestic violence history, and help-seeking behaviors, therapists would be in a better position to develop a truly woman-specific screen for problem drinking that was both valid and reliable. 6 tables and 40 references