Childhood abuse history and substance use among men and women receiving detoxification services.

Full Abstract

According to data collected from women and adolescents, a strong link exists between childhood abuse history and substance abuse. Using a sample of 274 women and 556 men receiving detoxification services, we explored whether the same pattern emerged across genders and types of abuse. Results revealed 20% of men and more than 50% of women reported childhood physical or sexual abuse. Sexual or physical abuse had negative sequelae, regardless of gender. Individuals with abuse history reported earlier age of onset of drinking, more problems associated with use of alcohol/drugs, more severe psychopathology, and more lifetime arrests, arrests related to substance use, and arrests related to mental health. Prevention and proactive intervention activities are crucial to prevent negative sequelae of childhood victimization.

Author information

Author/s: Brems, Christiane (C); Johnson, Mark E (ME); Neal, David (D); Freemon, Melinda (M);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Behavioral Health Research and Services, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, USA. afcb(-atsign-)uaa.alaska.edu

Grants: 1H79TI11988 (Agency:CSAT SAMHSA HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse (Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2004-Nov; vol 30 (issue 4) : pp 799-821

Dates: Created 2004/12/30; Completed 2005/04/22; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 15624550, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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