Effectiveness of communication and relationship skills training for men insubstance abuse treatment

Although the importance of gender-sensitive programming for women has been acknowledged, few studies have examined outcomes from male-centered interve ntions in substance abuse treatment programs. Data were collected from 122 male clients in a court-mandated residential treatment program who particip ated in a study of a psychoeducational group intervention for men. The inte rvention (Time Out! For Men) addressed communication skills, sexuality, gen der socialization, and intimacy. Participation in the training resulted in significant increases in knowledge and social conformity, along with reduct ions in attitudes that may be associated with rigid socialization and gende r-role conflict. The results provide support for the utility of male-target ed programming in substance abuse treatment settings. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sci ence Inc. All rights reserved.