Adverse effect of child abuse victimization among substance-using women in treatment

This study examined the adverse effect of childhood sexual/physical abuse among 171 substance-abusing women with infants or young children, who were admitted to the Family Rehabilitation Program in New York City. Approximately one half of the women (51%) self-reported ever having been sexually (24%) or physically abused (45%) in their childhood. Having a history of childhood abuse experiences, particularly sexual abuse, was associated with various areas of adult life functioning. Approximately 13 months after program admission 82% of the sample was recontacted for follow-up. No significant associations were found between childhood abuse experiences and length of retention in services. However; several significant differences in service outcomes between sexually or physically abused women and nonabused women were found. The abused women had significantly more problems relating to drug use and psychiatric/psychological adjustment at follow-up. The findings support a need for substance dependency treatment programs tailored for women who have experienced serious childhood abuse.