This suggests that prevalent treatment models tend to be male-oriented and may not provide appropriate strategies to meet women's needs. Drug use problems among women appear to be multidetermined phenomena in which genetics, family history, psychosocial issues, and other environmental factors play contributing roles. Working from a relational theoretical model of female psychosocial development, a continuum of expanded services addressing the entire context of women's lives is discussed. The authors conclude that effective treatment programs for women must address patterns of passivity, dependence, and victimization defining many women's existence and that female drug treatment clients should be empowered to collaborate in the development and implementation of their individualized treatment plans. 27 references