Purpose: Past interpersonal trauma is associated with worse physical and mental health; however its relationship to addiction severity is unclear. We hypothesize that a history of sexual and/or physical abuse [SPA] is associated with increased substance-related problems in a drug and alcohol-dependent population. Methods: We interviewed subjects at a detoxification unit between 6/97 and 4/99. Interviewers collected data on SPA, demographics, physical/mental health, and administered the Inventory of Drug Use Consequences (INDUC), a validated instrument measuring lifetime substance abuse consequences. All analyses were stratified by gender. We examined the relationship between SPA and INDUC score. Variables associated with INDUC at p < 0.20 in bivariate analysis or deemed clinically relevant were entered into regression models. In multivariable analysis we adjusted for age, race, depressive symptoms, physical functioning, drug of choice, polysubstance use, homelessness, and having a partner/spouse. Results: The 470 subjects were 24% female, 46% African American, 15% Hispanic, and had a mean age of 36 years. Among women 81% (90/111), and among men 69% (247/356), disclosed SPA. The median age of first abuse was 11 years. In bivariate analysis, INDUC scores were significantly higher in subjects with SPA. In multivariate analysis, SPA remained associated with increased consequences (male adjusted mean 36.3 vs. 34.0, p=.001; female adjusted mean 33.1 vs. 27.8, p=.006). Conclusions: SPA is common among persons admitted for detoxification and is associated with greater substance abuse severity in both men and women. These findings support efforts to develop and evaluate treatment strategies that simultaneously address SPA and addiction.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the learner in this session will be able to: 1.Describe the prevalence of sexual and physical abuse in a detoxification unit in Boston, MA. 2.Discuss the association between substance related problem and prior abuse history
Keywords: Substance Abuse, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.