Gender differences at admission and follow-up in a sample of methadone maintenance clients

Although one-third of clients enrolled in methadone treatment in the United States are female, few studies have looked at gender differences at admiss ion and follow-up. Using interview data from 435 clients (31% female) colle cted at admission and approximately 1 year after discharge, females were fo und to have more dysfunctional families of origin and greater prier and cur rent psychological and medical problems. Both genders improved following tr eatment, as evidenced by reduced illicit drug, tobacco, and alcohol use, cr iminal involvement, and HIV/AIDS-risky behaviors. Females were more likely to seek further help for both drug misuse and psychological problems subseq uent to discharge.