Characteristics of women receiving mandated treatment for alcohol or polysubstance dependence in Massachusetts.

Abstract

Characteristics of the first 20 women consecutively admitted for treatment for alcohol or polysubstance dependence following civil commitment by Massachusetts courts were studied. Women were diagnosed as either alcohol dependent (n = 12) or polysubstance dependent (n = 8). Alcohol dependent women were older at initial alcohol use, onset of regular alcoholic use, first treatment admission, and at this admission. For the group as a whole 75% had completed high school; 50% were divorced and 35% were supported by public assistance. Seventy-five percent had a family history of alcoholism. This sample of women who received court-ordered alcohol and polysubstance dependence treatment had multiple social, psychological, legal and health problems.