Ethnic and Gender Differences in Drug Users' Perceived Need for Treatment

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Abstract
Little is known about ethnic and gender variation in drug users' perceived need for treatment or about the predisposing factors that might account for such variation. Among 1,170 drug-using arrestees in Los Angeles, perceived need for treatment is positively related to these predisposing factors: self-reported drug dependence, attitude toward treatment for drug use, and occurrence of drug-related problems other than dependence. Self-reported drug dependence is higher among women and accounts for the greater perceived need reported by women. Hispanics are less likely to perceive a need for treatment. Among daily drug users, both Hispanics and Africans Americans are less likely to do so. These ethnic differences are not explained by self-reported drug dependence or any other predisposing factor. Implications for treatment referral, intake, and counseling are discussed.