There is an abundance of support in the literature that coping styles may influence frequency of use, treatment completion, and relapse among cocaine addicts. This study reports on the predominant coping styles of a sample of female cocaine addicts upon admission to treatment for substance abuse. This sample demonstrated a great deal of already‐experienced life stressors with little social support to deal with them. They were using emotion‐focused coping more frequently than problem‐focused coping; the overwhelming majority of them were not satisfied with their coping skills, and using cocaine was one way for them to cope with life stressors. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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