NCJ Number
178835
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: September 1999 Pages: 297-314
Date Published
September 1999
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study examined the comparability of dual-problem (i.e., substance abuse and conjugal violence) men in substance abuse and violence treatment milieus.
Abstract
Thirty males in substance abuse treatment and 33 men in violence treatment were identified as being dual-problematic and were administered the Addiction Severity Index, so as to assess psychosocial and substance abuse status. They were also administered the Conflict Tactics Scale to determine the frequency and type of abusive behavior; the Symptoms Checklist-90 to measure psychological distress; and the 16 Personality Factor for personality attributes. When dual-problem men from each milieu were compared on these measures, men in the substance- abuse milieu reported both significantly more severe substance abuse problems and more frequent partner sexual abuse. Few other differences emerged. Thus, although current referral procedures may be appropriate in identifying and referring more severe substance abuse problems to the appropriate treatment setting, violent men with difficulties comparable to those in violence treatment may also be found in substance abuse treatment. These findings emphasize the need for routine objective screening for family violence and substance abuse in these two treatment milieus; informed and up-to-date staff in both settings who are sufficiently prepared for the therapeutic challenges such men may present; and more study of how treatment for dual-problem men may be coordinated by the violence and substance abuse treatment communities to optimize their outcome. 2 tables, 2 figures, and 35 references