Gender differences in cocaine dependence.

Aims: This study examined gender differences among treatment-seeking cocaine-dependent outpatients (e.g., on demographics, psychopathology, and substance abuse).

Participants: Participants were 2376 adults with cocaine dependence entering a multisite randomized controlled trial of psychosocial therapies.

Findings: Women, compared to men, had less severe lifetime substance use problems but a higher pattern of psychiatric, medical, social/family, and employment problems; they also had more positive expectations and opinions about treatment.

Conclusions: Women may be willing to engage in treatment but may have challenging economic and psychosocial concerns over and above their addiction.