ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how the interpersonal influences of family members and romantic partners may differentially affect women ‘s and men’s initiation into drug use and their decision to enter drug treatment. The role of culture on Mexican-American women’s drug use is described, with specific attention paid to the way in which culture and these interpersonal influences interact to affect these women’s drug use and entry into treatment. Finally, structural and interpersonal influence factors that affect women’s successful completion of treatment are examined, and suggestions for designing more effective and relevant treatment programs for women are offered.
