RECOVERING FROM ALCOHOLISM IN COMMUNAL-LIVING SETTINGS - EXPLORING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEN AND WOMEN

African American men (n = 33) and women (n = 32) residing in a self-go verned, communal-living aftercare program known as Oxford House were s urveyed on socio-demographic, personality, recovery, and setting attri bute variables. Women, compared to men, were more likely to report sex ual abuse as an adult, be diagnosed with an eating disorder; engage in writing bad checks prior to recovery, and claim a stronger perception that Oxford House provided a structured and safe setting. Men, in con trast to women, were more likely to have engaged in drug sales and res idential theft prior to recovery, claim less self-doubt about controll ing their future life, and report greater attempts at rebuilding inter personal relations and working 12-step programs. Men and women did not differ significantly in self-reports of co-dependency. Results indica te that gender specific and culturally, sensitive characteristics upon both entry and in the course of recovery should be considered in comm unal facilities such as Oxford House.