Women and men problem drinkers. Sex differences in patients served by Iowa's Community Alcoholism Centers.

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Abstract
The influences of sex differences on the growth of and recovery from alcoholism were examined in 3527 (395 women) 1st admissions to Iowa [USA] community alcoholism centers during 1974. All had drinking-related problems, but were not necessarily alcoholics. Data were gathered on admission using the Iowa Alcoholic Intake Schedule. The men and women were aged 39 and 38 and were similarly advanced in the alcoholic process, as measured by the Iowa Index of Trouble Due to Drinking. Women were older at the onset of their alcoholism (mean ages 34 vs. 32) and had progressed more rapidly in the alcoholic process; women also evidenced slightly more health problems (32 vs. 23% were hospitalized for an alcohol-related reason in the year prior to admission) and marital problems (34 vs. 16% had a poor relationship with their spouse), emotional stress and drinking for psychological relief. More men reported problems with police (54 vs. 32%), employers (16 vs. 8%) and finances (43 vs. 30%). Women alcoholics'' drinking was more often a response to crises and emotional stress, while more men gradually drifted into ever greater dependence on alcohol to cope with everyday problems.

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