History of physical or sexual abuse and participation in 12-step self-help groups.
OBJECTIVE
Although 12-step groups are an important resource for managing substance use problems, their efficacy for patients with a physical or sexual abuse history is unknown.


METHODS
In the present study, patients with a history of physical or sexual (n = 122) or no (n = 143) abuse were interviewed at entry to outpatient substance use treatment at the Veterans Administration.


RESULTS
After adjusting for baseline substance use, physical or sexual abuse was associated with more attendance at and involvement in 12-step groups. Participation in 12-step groups predicted abstinence at one year, regardless of abuse history.


CONCLUSIONS
Limitations and implications are discussed.
Schneider
Renee
R
Center for Health Care Evaluation, VA Palo Alto and Standford University, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA. renee.schneider@stanford.edu
Burnette
Mandi
M
Timko
Christine
C
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*