BACKGROUND: Substance abuse affects men and women differently, and as a result, treatment programs should be designed specific to their unique needs. The nonpharmacological treatment of substance abuse among women has been largely neglected in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to analyze critically the existing literature related to the nonpharmacological treatment of substance abuse among women. The methodological rigor of existing research was critiqued and gaps in knowledge identified. DESIGN : The databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, and MEDLINE were searched using the key words women and substance abuse treatment . Studies included in the review were those that were published between 1975 and 2003 and were related to the nonpharmacological treatment of substance abuse for women. RESULTS: Forty-three articles were reviewed. Evidence suggests that there are gender and cultural differences related to substance abuse. There is a dearth of research related to the effectiveness of treatment interventions designed specifically for women who abuse substances. The research that exists is limited in its theoretical foundation and methodological rigor. CONCLUSIONS : Few treatment programs reflect gender and cultural differences, leaving gaps in substance abuse treatment among women. Furthermore, existing research related to women and substance abuse treatment lacks a robust scientific foundation. Future research should be theoretically based and methodologically sound to advance the evidence base of substance abuse treatment for women.