Gender Differences in Treatment Outcomes over a Three-Year Period: A Path Model Analysis

Abstract

Gender differences in longitudinal patterns of treatment utilization and outcomes over three yearly time points were examined among a sample of 511 patients recruited from drug treatment programs across Los Angeles County. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at baseline and one-year follow-up. Retrospectively recalled natural history data were collected at the follow-up interview. Over the three observational years, compared to men, women generally reported greater involvement in drug abuse treatment, lower levels of drug use and employment, and higher levels of drug use by their spouses. The path model showed that women's drug use and criminality were negatively related to formal treatment and self-help group participation, but positively related to their spouse's drug use. Fewer factors significantly impacted men's drug use and crime over time. Implications of these gender differences are discussed.