The Division of Resource Development of the National Institute on Drug Abuse is giving increasing emphasis to the needs and concerns of women, both in treatment and as workers in the field. Recently there has also been increased interest in the problems of the female substance abuser on the part of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health…

This record of the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control contains testimonies addressing the problems facing drug abusing women. The extensive prescribing of legal drugs such as tranquilizers, sedatives, pain killers, and stimulants is examined. The problems of polydrug abuse and alcohol abuse in combination with other drugs are also…

Examined performance of female alcoholics, recovered alcoholics, and controls on the Brain-Age Quotient (BAQ) and subtests. The mean BAQs of the alcoholics and recovered alcoholics were significantly lower than that of the controls. Results suggest a differential recovery of cognitive abilities in abstinent female alcoholics. (Author)

Compares a new approach to treatment using traditional social work. Reports on the therapeutic regimen and Results/Kinesiology (RK), which addresses body-mind control, brain hemispheric integration, energy balancing, and stress elimination. Examination of 40 women addicted to alcohol and/or drugs indicated that RK helped with anxiety,…

Compared characteristics of female alcoholics receiving treatment with those of male alcoholics. Found male subjects had more psychosocial problems and had more contact with the child welfare authorities during their childhood than did the females. However, the females' offspring had had more such contact than the males' offspring. Socioeconomic…

Examined 171 female alcoholic inpatients, including subjects' own childhood, offspring, and family environment. Found that female alcoholics resemble males alcoholics and have disturbed childhoods with a drug- or alcohol-abusing, suicidal parent. In particular, boys of female alcoholics are extremely vulnerable during adolescence and have a more…

Describes female alcoholism patterns, characteristics, and obstacles to treatment. Argues that the most effective treatment program for female alcoholics requires consideration of gender-related factors, such as relationship expectations and sexual abuse. Outlines a holistic, comprehensive care model, intended for the unique needs and concerns of…

Examined differences among middle-aged, middle-class female adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) and female non-ACOAs with regard to interpersonal and intrapersonal functioning. ACOAs report higher levels of depression, marital conflict, and parental role distress; lower levels of self-esteem, perceived social support, family cohesion, marital…

Investigates direct and mediating effects of mechanisms hypothesized to account for the association between parental problem drinking and later problem drinking by offspring. Parents' drinking affected later problematic alcohol use by offspring. For both sexes, parental problem drinking reduced adaptive family functioning, which was subsequently…

This study was designed to examine the vocational interests of daughters of alcoholics. Mixed support was provided for the assumption that their vocational choices are nonperson oriented. Data did support the prediction of high scores on the realistic and intellectual scales of Holland's Vocational Preference Inventory. (SJL)

The effects of childhood physical and sexual abuse on the development of alcoholism in women was examined by comparing 127 alcoholic women in treatment with two comparison groups. One comparison group was comprised of 83 nonalcoholic women in mental health treatment or receiving services for battering. The second comparison group consisted of 92…

This unit for American Indian girls 15 to 18 years old and for their parents is an attempt to create a better understanding of alcoholism. The narrative section focuses upon the following ideas: (1) what alcoholism is; (2) frequency of alcoholism; (3) physical effects; (4) the effect of alcoholism on the family; (5) causes of alcoholism; (6) signs…

This kit was developed as part of a series called Decisions and Drinking, which focusses on intelligent decision-making about alcohol use based on knowledge and freedom of choice. Each kit in the series contains a facilitator's handbook, session outline cards, a set of transparencies, participant work sheets, and "take-home" summaries…

Is there truth in the stereotype of battered women who enjoy being abused and who have a psychological need for abuse? This study of a grass-roots program providing service to battered women presents thought-provoking data on this and other questions related to causes and consequences of domestic violence. (Author)

Alcoholic women must receive treatment that considers psychological differences between men and women. The basic difference identified was the kinds of roles taken on by women compared to men's roles. Counselors must integrate women's individual experiences with experimental research to effectively help alcoholic women. (Author/JAC)