Exploring the self-reported sexual problems and concerns of drug-dependentmales and females in modified, therapeutic community treatment

The importance of sexual trauma and sexual problems in the treatment of che mically dependent persons has long been recognized by clinicians working wi th this population. This study was undertaken to describe the degree of sel f-reported sexual problems and concerns for 163 males admitted into a Phila delphia- or New York City-based modified therapeutic community (TC) program and 100 females admitted to the same New York City program. Results indica ted that the majority of men and women identified some sexual problems and concerns shortly after being admitted, with females in the New York City sa mple endorsing sexual problems more often than males in the Philadelphia or New York City samples. These findings are considered in view of the fact t hat these clients' sexual problems were usually not addressed on their Mast er Treatment Plans. The implications of addressing or not addressing these sexual problems are considered. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights r eserved.