Background: A large body of research documents strong associations between violence and substance abuse, but many studies lack critical information about the social contexts in which drug users experience violence. The present study uses quantitative and qualitative methods to compare male and female Puerto Rican drug users’ experiences with interpersonal violence. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 799 Puerto Rican drug users in East Harlem, New York and 382 in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Focus groups, in-depth qualitative interviews and observations were conducted in both sites. Results: Study participants included 884 (74.9%) male and 297 (25.1%) female Puerto Rican drug users. Males were more likely to report first occurrence of physical violence at an earlier developmental stage (childhood vs adolescence) compared to females. Spending most of one’s childhood or adolescence in New York rather than Puerto Rico was associated with first occurrence of many forms of violence. Physical abuse by a parent or other adult relative was not associated with a particular site (p=0.939). One-quarter of females reported physical abuse by a parent or other adult relative, 47.1% of women reported physical mistreatment by a spouse or lover, and 36.7% reported unwanted sexual encounters; women were significantly more likely than men to report these experiences (p<0.0001). Qualitative findings provide examples of violence in childhood and adolescence, and explore differences between East Harlem and Bayamón. Conclusion: It is important that drug users’ experiences with interpersonal violence be assessed and that issues of violence be considered a critical component of drug treatment.
Learning Objectives: Recognize the role of violence in drug users's lives. Describe the types of violent events associated with drug use. Assess the importance of dealing with experiences of violence in the treatment of drug abuse
Keywords: Violence, Drug Use
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.