Gender differences in problem severity at assessment and treatment retention

Women in treatment for substance abuse have been reported to have more seve re problems at assessment than men but not to differ in treatment retention . To examine gender differences in problems at assessment, 30-day retention , and treatment completion, data from Detroit's publicly funded substance a buse treatment system were used. Women had significantly more severe proble ms at assessment, lower 30-day retention, and lower treatment completion ra tes than men. These gender differences in retention remained significant ev en after controlling for problem severity, primary drug of abuse, and refer red treatment setting. There was no evidence of improvements in women's pro blems at assessment or retention over time during this period. Women presen ted with more severe problems at assessment and were less likely to stay in treatment for 30 days or to complete treatment than men. Monitoring gender differences in problems at presentation and retention outcomes is recommen ded to assess local need for interventions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.