Sexual abuse among women entering methadone treatment.
Women who enter drug abuse treatment programs are likely to report histories of sexual abuse that may impact psychosocial functioning, retention, and outcomes. This study investigates differences at admission between women with and without sexual abuse histories who entered an outpatient methadone treatment program in Texas. In a sample of 137 women, 39% reported prior sexual abuse. Findings show that women with sexual abuse histories were more likely also to have experienced physical and emotional abuse, to report poorer family-of-origin relationships, and to report more drug-related problems. These clients also reported more depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, trouble concentrating, and trouble controlling violent behavior. Results are discussed in terms of the need for adequate assessment of abuse history at intake and the need for targeted outcome studies to better define the impact of past abuse on treatment participation and outcome.
Bartholomew
Norma G
NG
Institute of Behavioral Research, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas 76129, USA. n.bartholomew@tcu.edu
Rowan-Szal
Grace A
GA
Chatham
Lois R
LR
Nucatola
Diane C
DC
Simpson
D Dwayne
DD
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D008691:Methadone