Gender Differences in Spirituality in Persons in Alcohol and Drug Dependence Treatment

Abstract

Although research has begun to broadly address gender differences in alcohol and drug dependence, there is a dearth of research on gender differences in spirituality in this area, despite the increased research emphasis on the role of spirituality in the recovery process. This study addressed this gap by examining gender differences in five dimensions of spirituality in persons in diverse alcohol and drug dependence treatment settings. The hypothesis that there would be gender differences in spirituality was supported as women had higher levels of expression of cognitive orientation toward spirituality compared to men. Implications for alcohol and drug dependence treatment and research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Spirituality
• alcohol dependence
• alcoholism
• drug dependence
• addiction
• gender
• social work

Notes

*p < .05

**p < .01.