title: History of physical or sexual abuse and participation in 12-step self-help groups.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Care Evaluation, VA Palo Alto and Standford University, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA. renee.schneider@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Renee
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: Mandi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Burnette
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Timko
mesh_terms: 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*