Treatment-utilization rates for AD were low regardless of gender, but were especially low for women, consistent with prior studies (Chartier and Caetano, 2011; Grant, 1997). There were both general and gender-specific barriers to treatment. General barriers tended to be logistical or due to a lack of motivation. Logistical barriers in accessing treatment have been documented in previous studies and include difficulties getting time off work, distance to treatment, and financial barriers to treatment (Grant, 1997). Supplemental monitoring and counseling via telephone contact may help decrease those logistical barriers, although recent studies examining the efficacy of such telephone-based follow-ups have had mixed results on alcohol use outcomes and abstinence (Hubbard et al., 2007; McKay et al., 2011).
