Abstract
This study examined gender differences among 727 individuals in 21 methadone treatment programs. At treatment entry, a greater proportion of men abused alcohol, lived with their parents, were under legal supervision, and were employed; a greater proportion of women received public assistance, were depressed, had a substance-abusing spouse, and engaged in high-risk sexual behavior. Cocaine use was associated with continued heroin use for both men and women, regardless of treatment participation. Using alcohol, living with one's parents, and having a negative reference group were associated with poorer treatment outcomes among women who received methadone treatment during the follow-up period; criminal justice pressure was associated with abstinence for men who were not in treatment.