Sexual Abuse Among Women Entering Methadone Treatment

• NCJ Number: 199203
• Journal: Journal of Psychoactive Drugs Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Dated: October - December 2002 Pages: 347-354
• Author(s): Norma G. Bartholomew M.A.; Grace A. Rowan-Szal Ph.D.; Lois R. Chatham Ph.D.; Diane C. Nucatola M.S.; D. Dwayne Simpson Ph.D.
• Date Published: October 2002
• Length: 8 pages
• Grant Number(s): DA06162
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined differences at admission between women with and without sexual abuse histories who participated in an outpatient methadone drug treatment program in Texas.

Abstract

Between September 1995 and May 1998, 137 opiate-dependent women were admitted to the methadone treatment program. Subjects were classified as having or not having a sexual abuse history based on several "yes/no" questions on the intake form. Fifty-three women (39 percent) reported having been sexually abused sometime in their past. Overall, there was a high correlation between those who reported any past sexual abuse and those reporting parental sexual abuse. Women with and without sexual abuse histories were compared on the primary areas of interest addressed on the intake form, the self-rating form, and initial urinalysis. The findings showed no significant differences between these two groups in terms of race/ethnicity, age, education, marital status, living arrangements, number of children, employment, or treatment history at intake; however, women who reported a history of sexual abuse were significantly more likely to report also having experienced physical and emotional abuse compared with women without a history of sexual abuse. Women in the sexual abuse group also reported more use of prescribed psychotropic medication in the 6 months before entering treatment. Further, they were more likely to report serious depression and anxiety in the 6 months before treatment, together with more difficulty in processing information, controlling violent behavior, and dealing with suicidal thoughts. They were also more likely to report using illegal drugs for psychological reasons. In discussing these findings, the article focuses on the need for the adequate assessment of abuse history at intake and the need for targeted outcome studies to assist in defining the impact of past sexual abuse on treatment participation and outcome. 3 tables and 42 references