NCJ Number
181011
Journal
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs Volume: 31 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December 1999 Pages: 363-372
Date Published
1999
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the possible effects of sexual and physical abuse on a wider array of behavioral domains over a relatively long posttreatment period.
Abstract
The behavioral domains included drug use, engagement in treatment or 12-step programs, criminality, income sources, intimate relationships, family functioning, and psychiatric symptoms. The possible effects of sexual and physical abuse in these domains were assessed over a period of 2 years after treatment. In-treatment interviews were conducted with 356 clients. The first posttreatment interview was conducted approximately 6 months after the in-treatment interview. The second interview was conducted 2 years after treatment ended. A 74-percent overall follow-up rate was achieved. The findings show few differences between those with and without past histories of sexual or physical abuse as regards drug use, drug treatment and 12-step program participation, criminality, income sources, intimate relationships, family functioning, and psychiatric symptoms. There are specific exceptions, but they applied only to men. Overall, the findings indicate that the impact of sexual and physical abuse histories on relatively long-term treatment outcomes was minimal. Addressing the sexual and physical abuse histories of those in treatment for drug abuse may be justified on humanistic grounds, but it will not significantly improve the long-term effectiveness of drug treatment, nor will it substantially enhance the lives of those with histories of abuse. 5 tables and 78 references