The role of spouses of substance abusers in treatment: gender differences

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
T G BrownN Shields

Abstract

Studies exploring gender differences among substance abusers in treatment have been fairly consistent in finding that females who enter treatment express more severe psychological and psychosocial disturbances than males, despite presenting with shorter and less intense substance abuse histories. However, strands of evidence suggest that the presence of a spouse, generally perceived as an asset in the treatment of the substance abuser, may have different implications for females than for males. In order to clarify this issue, 67 male and 18 female married substance abusers in treatment and their spouses were questioned on their substance use and psychological and social functioning. Similar to other studies, the female substance abusers reported greater disturbance on dimensions of employment and psychological functioning, but less severity of alcohol abuse. Comparison of male and female spouses, however, revealed that male spouses were likely to present with the following characteristics: (1) more symptoms of substance abuse and depression, (2) less overall physical well-being, and (3) to be less inclined to help others or be involved with their children than the female spouses. These findings are consistent with the view that...Continue Reading

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Citations

Nov 9, 2000·The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research·J Scott-LennoxR Lennox
May 15, 2010·Journal of Psychoactive Drugs·Icro MaremmaniLiliana Dell'Osso
May 1, 1997·Substance Use & Misuse·R FiorentineE Taylor
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Sep 3, 1999·The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·C E Grella, V Joshi
Apr 17, 2019·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Shervin AssariMohsen Bazargan

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