Perceptions of Women and Substance Abuse

Sixty-five male and female substance abuse counselors were administered hypothetical scenarios and corresponding questionnaires regarding two types of substance abuse, one separately describing a male and a female cocaine abuser, and the other separately describing a male and a female heroin and alcohol abuser. Differences in perceptions of male and female substance abusers in regards to treatment recommendations and contributing factors among male and female counselors were predicted. Counselors perceived emotional and relationship problems as contributing more to female substance abuse, and male counselors were more likely to recommend group counseling and to perceive character problems as a contr1buting factor more for female substance abusers than male substance abusers. Further explanations for the research findings are discussed.