Level of Hope for those Entering Substance Abuse Treatment: Variances by Gender and Substance Choice

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

While recent studies acknowledge gender differences in the use of alcohol and illegal/illicit drugs, most literature combine females and males together, ignoring those differences (Grella 2008; SAMHSA, 2011). It is vital to understand these differences in order to develop more appropriate treatment programs (Chat et al., 2007). Hope has been examined with regards to substance use and has been found to have a positive impact on the decision of clients to voluntarily enter treatment Hope has been found to result in higher self-efficacy, extend abstinence after treatment, and lessen the belief of the positive aspects of substance usage for individuals involved in treatment. However, there has been little research examining the potential gender and substance use differences by the level of hope for those entering treatment (Dodge & Potocky, 2000). The purpose of this study was to explore potential differences in the level of hope and substance use for males and females entering treatment. Interviews were conducted with 60 individuals who recently entered substance abuse treatment programs. Results determined males entering treatment have significantly higher levels of hope than females as well as additional differences by level of Hope. Implications for substance abuse treatment will be discussed.

Authors

• Rhonda Alexander, Morehead State University

• Elizabeth Perkins, Morehead State University

• Lisa Shannon, Morehead State University