Sexual Abuse in Opiate Addicted Woman in Relation to Biografic Factors, Course and Symptomatology
Abstract
Objective: Sexual abuse is discussed as a risk factor for addictions and other psychiatric disorders. We investigated biografic factors, course of the opiate addiction, and symptomatology in opiate addicted women (n = 75). Methods: We used the Addiction Severity Index as a screening instrument for sexual abuse and compared a group of patients who reported that they were sexual abused (n = 31) with those without a history of abuse. Results: Sexual abuse was associated significantly with physical abuse and emotional neglect. Sexual abused patients reported more parental alcohol and drug problems, less years of school education, more than half of them were working as prostitutes. The abused group showed significantly more suicidality, anxiety and specific phobias. Conclusions: The influence of sexual abuse on opiate addiction is complex and is moderated by other traumatic experiences. The specific risks and problems of this subgroup of opiate addicted patients is in need of specific treatment strategies.